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Tag: Lawyers

  • Alleged $5m diversion: Lawyers join Ahmed-must-go protests in Abuja

    Alleged $5m diversion: Lawyers join Ahmed-must-go protests in Abuja

    ..demand probe of NMDPRA boss

    The ongoing protests in the Nigerian Federal Capital, Abuja, against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, on Friday, received a boost, as popular Lawyers and Activists joined procession.

    The Activists, who joined the procession under the aegis of Concerned Lawyers Network In Africa, linked up with another protesting group, Civil Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade Network, around the head office of the NMDPRA, central district, Abuja, Friday morning, to demand for full investigation into the may allegations against Engr. Ahmed.

    The Lawyers, like every other concerned Nigerian youths, urged the government and relevant authorities to investigate serious allegations of misconduct, corruption, and abuse of office against the Chief Executive of NMDPRA.

    They alleged that Engineer Ahmed has been involved in questionable expenditures, including a staggering sum of five million US dollars reportedly spent on the education of his children abroad, saying, the revelation has sparked widespread concern and calls for immediate scrutiny.

    Addressing Journalists during the peaceful procession, Barr. Aquila Kendo who spoke on behalf of the groups, said their continued advocacy stems from a deep sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to the welfare and integrity of the nation, vowing to sustain the fight until the needful is done.

    “We are here today, on our continuous calls to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, relevant anti-corruption agencies and the Nigerian people; demanding attention and investigation into the grave act of alleged misconduct, corruption and abuse of office, perpetrated by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

    “Especially, the allegation of diversion of over five million dollars, reportedly used to sponsor luxurious foreign education of his children in abroad, must not go unnoticed, it must not be swept under the carpet as usual, it must not slide without proper investigation.

    “We shall continue to voice our disarray with the situation, as it is our civic responsibility as a people of this country to do so. We shall continue to press this until the right thing is done. We want want Mr. President to succeed in his fight against corruption and in achieving that, all hands must be on deck”.

    Speaking further, Barr. Kendo vowed that: “No amount of intimidation or threats can deter us from achieving this. We shall continue to join forces with all other organizations championing this course, until thorough investigation is done and Engr. Ahmed is brought to book”.

    It would be recalled that, several groups have been occupying the head office of the NMDPRA and other relevant government offices since Monday this week, demanding for resignation of Engr. Ahmed as the CEO and/or his probe, over allegations of corruption, abuse of power, regulatory compromise and a total betrayal of the Nigerian people.

    The protesting groups emphatically hinted on the alleged diversion of over five million dollar ($5m) by Ahmed, with which four of his children are currently being sponsored in expensive foreign schools in Switzerland and India, with other luxurious lifestyle.

    “His four children — Faisal, Farouk Jr., Ashraf, and Farhana, were said to have enrolled in some of the most expensive schools in the world.

    “Institutions with fees that range from $80,000 to $140,000 per year. Schools that only royalty and billionaires can afford. Schools that are as far removed from the average Nigerian reality as the moon is from the Earth. Schools like Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, European University Montreux, and La Garenne International School. In all, over $5 million is alleged to have been spent over the years on tuition, accommodation, upkeep, and flights. These payments were routed through undisclosed accounts, proxy relatives, and unreported assets — none of which appeared in Mr. Ahmed’s mandatory asset declaration forms”, one of the groups alluded.

  • SEE LIST: LPPC shortlists 72 lawyers for rank of SAN in 2025

    SEE LIST: LPPC shortlists 72 lawyers for rank of SAN in 2025

    The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 72 lawyers for the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for 2025.

    The Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Eniola Akanbi, Esq., who also serves as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, announced this in a public notice dated 17th June, 2025.

    The announcement precedes the final stage of the conferment process, which includes the interview.

    The notice said that shortlisted candidates were grouped under two categories in accordance with the LPPC Guidelines system.

    It listed the shortlisted applicants in order of seniority at the Bar as reproduced hereunder.

    A. Advocate Applicants:

    Theophilus Esan Kolawole, Esq
    Fedude Zimughan, Esq
    Ernest Chik Wendu Ikeji, Esq
    Victor Esiri Akpoguma, Esq
    Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, Esq
    Akintola Wilson Adewale, Esq
    Preye Agedah, Esq
    Omamuzo Erebe, Esq
    Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, Esq
    Olumide Ekisola, Esq
    George Ejie Ukaegbu, Esq
    Oromena Justice Ajakpovi, Esq
    Tairu Adebayo, Esq
    Bawaakhimie Osali Ibrahim, Esq
    Suleh Umar, Esq
    Emeka Akabogu, Esq
    Godwin Sunday Ogboji Esq
    Godwin Aimuagbonrie Idiagbonya, Esq
    Adeolu Olusegun Salako, Esq
    Adetunji Oso, Esq
    Achinike Godwin William-Wobodo, Esq
    Shuaib Agbarere Mustapha, Esq
    Adizua Chu-chu Okoroafor, Esq
    Olanrewaju Tasleem Akinsola, Esq
    Amaechi Fidelis Iteshi, Esq
    Adakole Edwin Inegedu, Esq
    Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, Esq
    David Ogenyi Ogebe, Esq
    Aminu Sani Gadanya, Esq
    Oluseun Awonuga Adentyi, Esq
    Ikechukwu Raphael Uwanna, Esq
    Ayodeji Joseph Ademola,Esq
    Kelechi Nwaiwu, Esq
    Lawal Garba Hudu, Esq
    Ibim Simeon Dokubo, Esq
    Luka Abubakar Haruna Musa, Esq
    Shakeer Adedayo Oshodi, Esq
    Oluwole Tolulope Jimi-bada, Esq
    Mubarak Tijani Adekilekun, Esq
    Chinyere Ekene Moneme, Esq
    Shuaibu Magaji Labaran, Esq
    Kingsley Tochukwuudeh, Esq
    Augustine Enenche Audu, Esq
    Ali Dussah Zubairu, Esq
    Adeyemi Adebambo Pitan, Esq
    Habeeb Abdulrahman Oredola, Esq
    Abdulakeem Labi-lawal, Esq
    Victor Agunzi, Esq
    Nkwegu Luke Ogbagaegwu, Esq
    Bidemi Ifedunni Ademola-Bello, Esq
    Temilolu Femi Adamolekun, Esq
    Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, Esq
    Adedayo Gbolahan Adesina, Esq
    Usman Yusufzaiyanu, Esq
    Taiwo Azeez Hassan, Esq
    Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Esq
    Rye Olufemi Olabunmi Oyewole, Esq

    B. Academic Applicants

    Prof. John Alewo Agbonika

    Prof. Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo
    Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule
    Prof. Najeem Adeyemi Ijaiya
    Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri
    Prof. Akkaarren Samuel Shaakaa
    Prof. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion
    Prof. Collins Obioma Chijioke
    Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo
    Prof Meshak Nnama Umenweke
    Prof. Augustine Robert Agom
    Prof Osaretin George Izevbuwa
    Prof. Chimajosephat Ubanyionwu
    Prof. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan
    Prof. Ominiye Bukola Akinola

    The LPPC invited the public to comment on the integrity, reputation and competence of the applicants.

    “Every complaint must be accompanied with a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a superior court of record in Nigeria or before a Notary Public and must be in twenty (20) copies, which must be received.

    “Twenty (20) copies of such comments or complaints must be received at the office of the secretary, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, not later than 4.00 pm on Monday, 14th July, 2025, or by email to: Ippesecretariat@courts.gov.ng Or Enquiries.ippesecretariat@supremecourt.gov.ng

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of the names of the shortlisted applicants is not an indication of their success in the process,” LPPC said.

  • Senior Lawyers clash over NBA’s funding source for conference

    Senior Lawyers clash over NBA’s funding source for conference

    Two prominent lawyers have expressed opposing views on the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) decision to seek financial support from the government for its annual conference.

    Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), former Chairman of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), defended the move. In contrast, rights advocate and legal practitioner, Jiti Ogunye, criticized the association for relying on external funds instead of contributions from its members.

    Ubani maintained that there is nothing unethical or improper about the NBA accepting funds from the government. He clarified that the money received from the Rivers State Government was not for hosting the conference itself but was a donation meant to cover logistics such as security arrangements. He further explained that the funds came from the administration of the now-suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara, not the current government.

    “The NBA has already addressed this matter, and I align with their position,” Ubani stated. “They’ve explained the rationale behind receiving the funds.”

    However, Ogunye strongly disagreed, arguing that the NBA should never seek government funds, as doing so could compromise its neutrality, especially when it needs to speak out against governmental abuses or breaches of the rule of law.

    “When the NBA goes to the government for funding, it risks losing its moral authority and independent voice,” Ogunye warned. “The association must rely solely on contributions from its members, including conference fees and special levies.”

    He further argued that while it’s straightforward to account for member-generated funds, it becomes difficult to track or justify unsolicited financial gifts, leading to transparency concerns. Ogunye cited disputes during the last Annual General Conference (AGC) over such unaccounted funds, highlighting the need for stricter financial discipline.

    He emphasized that the NBA, as a body that promotes the rule of law and accountability, should lead by example.

    “Was the N400 million budgeted? What was it allocated for? The NBA, given what it represents, should not be endorsing off-budget expenditures,” he said.

    Ogunye added that the NBA is capable of funding its events through the support of its wealthy members and should uphold financial independence and transparency at all times.

  • Confusion in court as 2 lawyers appear in suit seeking Rivers expenditure shutdown

    Confusion in court as 2 lawyers appear in suit seeking Rivers expenditure shutdown

    There was confusion in a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, as two counsel announced appearance for Rivers House of Assembly in a suit seeking an order shutting down all expenditures of the state government.

    The Rivers assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, had filed the suit before Justice Emeka Nwite to restrain Gov. Siminalay Fubara of Rivers from having access to the state’s funds until he re-presents the appropriation law for the 2024 financial year before the house.

    In the originating summons dated July 14 but filed July 15 by their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, the Rivers State House of Assembly and Right Honourable Martin Amaewhule are 1st and 2nd plaintiffs.

    They, however, sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Governor of Rivers, Fubara; and Accountant-General (AG) of Rivers as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

    Others include Rivers Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC); Chief Judge (CJ) of Rivers, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi; Chairman of RSIEC, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd.) and Government of Rivers State as 7th to 10th defendants respectively.

    The plaintiffs sought an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the CBN, Zenith and Access Banks, including the AGF, from honouring any request or financial instruction issued by Fubara for revenue of Rivers State or Rivers State Government in their custody for the benefit of Rivers State or Rivers State Government.

    NAN reports that Justice Nwite had, on July 17, refused to grant the plaintiffs’ ex-parte motion moved by Sebastien Hon, SAN, for the suspension of the state’s expenditures pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    The judge, instead, ordered the plaintiffs to put all the defendants in the suit on notice and adjourned until Aug. 7 (today) for hearing.

    However, when the matter was called on Wednesday and the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs’ counsel, Mr Hon, announced his appearance, another lawyer, Sammie Soniari, SAN, stood up to also announce his representation for the 1st plaintiff (Rivers assembly).

    Soniari said pursuant to a notice of change of counsel filed on Aug. 5, he was in court to represent the house of assembly and also to appear for the applicant (RT Honourable Victor Oko Jumbo) seeking to be joined as co-plaintiff pursuant to the motion filed on Aug. 6.

    He said another motion on notice was filed on Aug. 6, seeking for an order striking out the name of the assembly from the originating summons.

    NAN observes that in the three motions filed, Soniari argued that an originating summons was filed on House of Assembly’s behalf without any authorisation.

    “Take notice that the 1st plaintiff herein has changed their Counsel, J. B. Daudu, SAN of J. B. Daudu & Co., and now briefed S. A. Somiari, SAN, MCIArb (UK) of Sammie Somiari & Associates for the purposes of legal representation in this suit,” the notice of change of counsel read.

    Also in the motion seeking for an order joining Jumbo in the case, Somiari argued that Amaewhule filed the suit without the leave and authority of the assembly.

    The lawyer submitted that Jumbo is the incumbent speaker of the 10th Rivers assembly and the statutory head of the arm of government.

    He said he was elected on May 8 following the resignation of the former Speaker, Edison Ehie.

    Somiari said on Dec. 11, 2023, Amaewhule, who was elected to represent his constituency at the Rivers assembly on the platform of the PDP,  publicly announced his defection to the APC, without any lawful justification, alongside several former members of the house.

    He said “following the said unconstitutional cross-carpeting” of Amaewhule and others, their legislative seats were declared vacant on Dec. 13, 2023 by the former speaker, “thereby leading to the cessation of their membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

    “The 2nd plaintiff, who is no longer the Speaker of the House of Assembly, cannot institute an action in that capacity,” he said, among other grounds.

    Another lawyer, Collins Dike, equally announced his appearance for Obio/Akor Local Government Council of Rivers as party seeking to be joined as 11th defendant in the matter.

    When Hon stood up to make his submission on the issue of change of counsel, Soniari objected, urging the court to direct Hon to file a formal application if he had contrary view.

    “If he has any query on the motion for change of counsel, he can put it in writing in accordance with Section 6(5)(c),” he said.

    But Hon insisted that based on the Supreme Court decision in Modu Sheriff Vs. PDP, the court could take his argument orally without filing a counter affidavit, citing Section 36(1) of the constitution.

    “We are here and representing a faction (of the house of assembly) that is recognised by law,” he said.

    Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, who appeared for Gov. Fubara, argued that Hon could not have been heard when there were motions for joinder.

    Iboroma argued that Order 9(16) of the Federal High Court Rules prescribed that issues of joinder had to be settled before the court proceed in the matter.

    The CBN’s lawyer, S.T. Ologunorisa, SAN, also disagreed with Hon on his submission.

    Ologunorisa said the issue of the plaintiffs and counsel in the case must be decided first so that he would know who he is responding to.

    Turudu Ede, SAN, who appeared for Rivers AG (6th defendant), aligned himself with the Ologunorisa’s submission.

    “We need to know who brought us to court first. That has to be sorted out first in this kind of situation because we have avalanche of papers to deal with,” he said.

    Isaac  Ita, who said he appeared in protest on behalf of the 10th defendant (Rivers State Government), argued that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the matter being a vacation court.

    Citing Order 46(5) of the Federal High Court Rules, he said besides that the matter was not file during vacation, there was no urgency that would have warranted hearing the suit during the vacation.

    But Justice Nwite informed that he was directed by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, to hear the matter as a vacation judge.

    “My Learner CJ gave me the order to continue this matter during vacation

    “Can I show you the authority given to me by my Learner CJ to continue this matter as vacation judge?” he asked.

    Hon, therefore, argued that the chief judge has the administrative power pursuant to the Federal High Court Act to give the directive.

    The judge said looking at the contention of parties, there were some issues that needed to be resolved before proceeding.

    Hon then sought for a 10-minute standdown to allow him consult with his team of lawyers and the application was granted.

    After the court reconvened, Hon applied for an adjournment to enable him respond to all the motions filed.

    The lawyer also applied for an abridgment of time within which parties could file and respond to processes in the suit.

    Justice Nwite, who adjourned the matter until Aug. 30 for hearing the motions, ordered parties to file and respond to processes within seven days of receipt of court documents.

  • LPPC shortlists 98 prominent lawyers for SAN conferment

    LPPC shortlists 98 prominent lawyers for SAN conferment

    The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 98 Nigerian lawyers, including professors of law, for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2024.

     

    Among the shortlisted candidates are former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers, Monday OnyekachiUbani, Kunle Edun, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, and Stanley Imo. Also shortlisted are Paul Daudu, Chairman of the NBA Bwari Branch, and notable Abuja-based senior lawyer, Okey Ajunwa.

     

    A statement by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, who also serves as LPPC Secretary, Hajo Sarki Bello, indicated that the shortlisted candidates are divided into two categories: advocate and academic.

     

    The statement reads: “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) by this notice announces the shortlisting of applicants for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria for the year 2024.

     

    “The advocates, who are practising legal practitioners, make up the majority with 87 candidates, while the academics, who are law lecturers, have only 11 candidates.

     

    The advocates include Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Godwin Tagbo Ike, Johnson Odionu, Nnodim Marcellinus Duru, Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia, Soronnadi Anthony Njoku, Adamu Abubakar, Charles Oyaole Musa, Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, David Dare Onietan, and Elele Chinatu Casmir.

     

    “Others are Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka, Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta, Habeeb Orisavia Ilavbare, Moses Kolade Obafemi, Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor, Baba Fika Dalah, Babatunde Ademoye Sodipo, Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar, Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene, Henry Adedayo Bello, Boniface Chinedu Moore, and Clement Amechi Ezika.

     

    “The advocate list also includes Omokayode Adebayo Dada, Edwin Anikwem, Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze, Olumide Oniyire Olugbenga, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Ayoola Olufemi Ajayi, Paul Chukwuma Obi, Olasupo Dominic Ati-John, Cole Segun Ololade, Charles Ayodeji Adeogun-Phillips, and Okechukwu Kingsley Ajunwa.

     

    “Additional names include Jacob Ocheogbu Ifere, Emmanuel Aderemi Adekile, Christopher Ehumadu Okeke, Waziri Yusha’u Mamman, Oluronke Adeyemi, Oluwole Olawale Afolabi, Toboukebide Kekemeke, Akinbamigbe Adesomoju, and Victor Owarienomare Odjemu.

     

    “Further shortlisted candidates are Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim, Stanley Chidozie Imo, Charles Oladipo Titiloye, Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Kingsley Chuku, Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi, Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi, Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir, Idowu Omotunde Benson, and Kolawole James Olowookere.

     

    “Also on the list are Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam, Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan, Omosanya Atilola Popoola, Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide, Emonye Oga Adekwu, Aderemi Oguntoye, Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun, Abdul Adamu, Theodore Okey Ezeobi, Rilwan Birnin Kebbi Umar, Chienye Ifeanyichukwu Okafor, Kaka Shehu Lawan, Abba Muhammed, Wendy Nwenenda Kuku, and Ekele Enyinnaya Iheanacho.

  • Economic woes causing untold hardship on lawyers – Afe Babalola

    Economic woes causing untold hardship on lawyers – Afe Babalola

    Aare Afe Babalola, a senior lawyer and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has describe as worrisome the effect of economic hardship on many especially lawyers in the country.

    Babalola made his position known on Tuesday during the 13th edition of the Annual Aare Afe Babalola Public Bar Lecture, instituted by Ado-Ekiti branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in honour of legal icon.

    He expressed regrets that the economy of the country had been badly battered so much that lawyers, who were known to be comfortable financially before, are now living below subsistence level.

    He said, “This is more apparent in states that are landlocked, where most of the people rely on agriculture for business. Lack of modern transportation system, deplorable roads, lack of electricity for business have also compounded the matter, the more.

    “Today, those who believe in giving are less than those who want to receive. Farmers who want to plant are less than those who want to eat. Those who want to invest are far less than those who want to consume. Those who want to produce are less than those who want to consume.

    “Those who want to establish businesses are less than those who are seeking for employment. Those who want to engage in politics are more than those who want to work on their own. No wonder politics has become the most lucrative business in town today.

    “Lawyers who want to go to the Bench nowadays are more than those who want to remain in practice. Lawyers who insist on consultation fees are less than those who insist on the time-honoured practice.”

    In his lecture titled, ‘The Judiciary, yesterday, today and tomorrow’, the Provost, College of Law at ABUAD, Prof. Tunde Yebisi has advocated that the remuneration of judges, including those of inferior courts of records must be adequate and progressively increased to always be at par with those of the president, governors, and other State actors.

    Prof. Yebisi advised that such remuneration should be a continuous charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and disbursed, directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He said instead of using serving judges, retired judges, or respectable lawyers, preferably Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (SANs) should henceforth constitute judges of electoral panels, to reduce incidences of coerce, intimidation, bribery and corruption, as well as keep the few judges available, in functional service

    Yebisi added there was currently a death of judges in the nation’s courts, saying many one should be employed, while the few ones available should be put into effective use, so as to also tackle cases of delay in the administration of of justice.

    “The senior members of the Bar, especially those who are young should be encouraged to join the bench, while modern IT facilities should be installed in the courts to facilitate quick dispensation of justice.

    “Apart from encouraging or expanding the jurisdiction of the inferior courts to handle small claims, it is advised that not all cases should go beyond the Court of Appeal, and sometimes, the High Court.”

    Continuing he said when judicial officers complained of attempts to bribe them, as was the case with the Chairman of the Election Petition Tribunal in Kano, such complaints should be thoroughly proved, and appropriate sanctions, imposed

    “In addition, assets declared by persons holding public officers should be taken more serious, and claims, meticulously investigated.

    The Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ado -Ekiti Branch, Lawrence Fasanmi said Babalola’s immense contributions to the promotion of legal education and practice in the country, warranted the honour of the annual lecture, instituted during the administration of one of his predecessors, Owoseni Ajayi.

    Chairman of the occasion and royal father of the day, who doubles as Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, commended the farsightedness of the NBA, in instituting the annual lecture in honour of Babalola, who he described as a leading light in the nation’s legal field.

    He said the celebrator’s torrents of accomplishments in law, and his myrads of contributions to various NBA branches across the country, never made him to regret being motivated to train one of his children to become a lawyer.

  • Yahaya Bello: NBA disowns protesting ‘lawyers’

    Yahaya Bello: NBA disowns protesting ‘lawyers’

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday, disclaimed a protest by lawyers over what they called the illegal approach of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in handling its allegations against former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello

    No fewer than 500 legal practitioners from across the country on Monday, stormed the Supreme Court complex.

    The lawyers, under the umbrella of judicial watchdogs, faulted the siege on the ex-Gov’s residence, in a bid to arrest him, inspite of  a valid court order to the contrary, which had not been vacated.

    Meanwhile, in a short notice to newsmen on Tuesday, the NBA through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Habeeb Lawal, says the group of protesters are not lawyers.

    The notice reads: “The above report refers.

    “The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is aware that some news outlets have reported this news.

    “Please be informed that while the NBA respects the rights of citizens to assemble and protest, we insist that this particular group of persons are not lawyers.

    “For completeness, their supposed leader or convener Sylvanus K. Alewu is not a name known to us,” he said.

  • Falana faults police brutality as Lagos lawyers protest

    Falana faults police brutality as Lagos lawyers protest

    Femi Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has berated the police for inhuman treatment of lawyers and the general public.

    Falana, a human rights activist, made the remark on Thursday in Lagos when hundreds of lawyers trooped out to protest against the alleged brutality of the personnel of Lagos State Police Command.

    The Ikeja, Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) carried out the peaceful protest.

    Falana said the five branches of the NBA decided to come together to fight police brutality due to the recent maltreatment of a lawyer.

    The protest was in response to the alleged unlawful detention of a lawyer, Mr Olumide Sonubi, by the police at Gowon Estate Police Station, Lagos, for two days.

    The lawyer was reportedly hospitalised after detention by the police on Dec. 30, 2023, over an alleged assault of a police officer during negotiations.

    Falana said the NBA decided to make a case through the affected colleague to say no to brutalisation of lawyers and the citizens by the police.

    He said the NBA demanded full investigation of the incident.

    “I am happy the commissioner of police announced today that investigation is ongoing.

    “The commissioner also indicated that lawyers should be prepared to be members of the committee since the police have nothing to hide.

    “Beside the report, the NBA is also also taking certain steps to file actions to protect the human rights of our colleagues to make a point that if anything of that nature happens to any lawyer, the NBA will take it up.”

    The Chairman of NBA, Ikeja Branch, Mr Seyi Olawunmi, also condemned the act of the divisional police officer of Gowon Estate and called for a thorough investigation which would involve the NBA.

    Olawunmi said the protest was not about their colleague but about seeking justice.

    He said: “If our member has behaved in an unruly manner, let the law take its course.

    “Lawyers are not above the law and we need to press the fact that this is about an ordinary man on the street.

    “So, we are not coming out because it is our colleague that is involved but we are saying if you go to a police station as a Nigerian, you have a right to be treated in a civil manner that you deserve.”

    Olawunmi said it was wrong of the police to ask Nigerians to drop their phones before they could get access at police stations.

    “You cannot go in there and they subject you to any form of harassment.

    “They tell you to drop your phone at the entrance.

    “I mean if you are not doing anything at your station that is unholy, why would you, why are you asking us to drop our phones,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the Lagos branch of the NBA mobilised about 700 lawyers across the state for the protest march from the secretariat of the NBA Ikeja Branch to the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command.

    Other NBA Chairmen present at the protest were: Mr Olabisi Makanjuola, Lagos NBA Chairman, Mr Emeka Ralph, Badagry NBA Chairman and Mr Wale Adegoke, NBA Ota Branch.

     

  • Kano: 500 private lawyers to defend Gawuna in Supreme Court

    Kano: 500 private lawyers to defend Gawuna in Supreme Court

    No fewer than 500 private legal practitioners have volunteered to defend Alhaji Nasir Gawuna, the Kano governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Supreme Court.

    Mr Joseph Onwudiwe, a spokesperson for the lawyers, under the aegis of the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Onwudiwe said that the gesture was to enhance the country’s democracy.

    “Nigerians have observed keenly the situation unfolding in Kano State regarding the March 18 governorship election.

    “As a group saddled with the onerous responsibility of safe guarding our democratic ethos and values, we are no longer comfortable with the unwarranted attacks on the judiciary.

    “And certain moves to blackmail the Court into giving backing to wanton electoral malfeasance and vote heist.

    “We will no longer fold our arms as lawyers and watch the judiciary be continuously harangued and the temple of justice desecrated by a group of people who failed to perfect an electoral heist,” he said.

    Onwudiwe applauded the sound reasoning that resonated in the judgments of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

    He said that the judgments aligned with the yearnings and aspirations of the majority of Kano people as expressed in the valid number of votes cast in the March 18 Kano Governorship election.

    He said the group was not surprised that Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State and his agents had become insistent in selling propaganda in the name of a contradiction in the CTC of the Appeal Court Judgment.

    “Nigerians will have nothing but pity for a party in a suit who finds no premise upon which to launch a successful appeal against a judgment backed by law and fact.

    “May we repeat here that the judgment of the Court of Appeal on this case was a very straight forward one which rightly dismissed the appeal of

    Abba Yusuf and upheld his sack by the tribunal,” he said.

    He said that the courts envisaged clerical errors in judgment and therefore embedded in their handbook and rules, enactments that empowered it to vary its judgement to reflect original intentions.

    Onwudiwe urged Nigerians not to cave into the misleading narrative being pushed by the agents of Yusuf who were grasping at the clerical error on page 67 of the CTC of the Court of Appeal judgment.

    This, he said, was geared to bring the honourable justices who delivered the sound judgment to public disrepute.

    He stressed that the importance of the judiciary in keeping the country’s democracy alive and thriving could never be overemphasized.

    “We are with the judiciary and we assure them of our unflinching support as they move to save Nigeria’s democracy from vote riggers and election fraudsters.

    “We must sanitise our electoral system now and build a strong democratic wall against vote inflation and other electoral malfeasance,” he said.

    He called on peace-loving Nigerians to rise in defense of the country’s democracy.

  • Burna Boy vows to hire 100 lawyers, sue Nigerian bloggers

    Burna Boy vows to hire 100 lawyers, sue Nigerian bloggers

    Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, said he is contemplating hiring 100 lawyers to sue Nigerian bloggers for defamation.

    He said he would have sponsored a series of legal battles against Nigerian bloggers with the money he earlier promised to give to them to stop posting about him but he is being considerate because he knows they (bloggers) are trying to make ends meet.

    He queried why Nigerian bloggers are hell-bent on pushing him to the wall.

    On his X handle on Wednesday, Burna Boy wrote in Pidgin, “Dat money wey I wan give dem instablog dat time, e be like say na to give like 100 lawyers now, But I know say na hustle everybody dey hustle so e go pain me if I run dat kind tin. Why una dey …