Popular human rights activist and lawyer, Bamidele Aturu has passed away.
He died at age 49 yesterday, after an undisclosed illness, according to Sahara Reporters.
A staunch crusader against power abuse, Aturu first gained prominence when he was a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1988, after refusing a handshake from military administrator – Lawan Gwadabe during the program’s passing out parade. The rationale for this action was because of his belief that the Nigerian military threatened the democratic aspirations of the country’s citizens.
Aturu went on to study law at University of Ife, and subsequently dedicated his legal career to representing marginalized groups and individuals.