Alongside other patriots and democrats, not minding the consequences for his bright future, Bamidele Aturu had the honour of speaking up for the masses at the height of military rule to the extent of having his national youths service certificate seized.

After the painful exit of the legend Gani Fawehinmi from the scene some years ago, Bamidele Aturu came around as another civil rights lawyer who would approach the court seeking the enforcement of the fundamental rights of powerless Nigerians. And every time democracy and rule of law came under threat Bamidele Aturu was always around to speak up!

His sudden death is a further and costly depletion in the ranks of selfless Nigerians who deserve to be called patriot. May the Almighty comfort his young family and the civil rights community of which he was a pillar.

Mohammed Dele Belgore, SAN