TheNewsGuru

Tag: SAN

  • People will curse me on social media for defending Baba Ijesha – SAN

    People will curse me on social media for defending Baba Ijesha – SAN

    Lead counsel to Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James (alias Baba Ijesha), Mr Dada Awosika (SAN), says he is aware that he will be cursed on social media for defending the actor facing trial for defilement.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Awosika made the comment on Thursday during proceedings on the actor’s bail application before an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

    He was responding to a plea to the court for witness protection by Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution.

    Adeyemi had alleged that prosecution witness Mr Damilola Adekoya (alias Princess) had been receiving threats from anonymous persons.

    She requested that the defendant should sign an undertaking promising that the threats would stop.

    In his response, Awosika said: “This defendant has been completely ruined on social media.

    “The witness, Princess Adekoya, has even posted videos and published supposed CCTV footage.

    “Is it the same social media that there are anonymous accounts, how do they know it is the defendant’s family sending the threats?

    “I have proof of the mother of the child posting videos on social media; does she have proof that the defendant’s people are the ones issuing threats.

    “The Iyabo Ojos of this world would be cursing over social media. I am sure that I will be cursed on social media for making an appearance for the defendant.”

    Responding Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo cautioned that the issue had become subjudice (under judicial consideration and therefore prohibited from public discussion).

    “This court will not be swayed by things discussed on social media. I will only be swayed by the facts of the case and the law. Let us all calm down.

    “Please refrain from discussing this case on social media,” the judge said.

    NAN reports that the defendant earlier pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on the indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

    The offences contravene Sections 135, 259, 262, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The court has granted the defendant bail in the sum of two million naira with two sureties in like sum.

  • Alleged defilement: 2 SANs enter appearance for Baba Ijesha in court

    Alleged defilement: 2 SANs enter appearance for Baba Ijesha in court

    Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka alias Baba Ijesha has beefed up his defence in his trial over allegations of child molestation by hiring two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to represent him during proceedings at an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two SANs who announced their appearance before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo during Thursday’s proceedings are; Mr Dada Awosika (SAN) and Mr Babatunde Ogala (SAN).

    The senior lawyers announced appearance with a team of six junior counsel to represent Baba Ijesha in his defence.

    The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, led the prosecution for the state.

    The DPP was accompanied by four state prosecutors.

    Comedian Ms Damilola Adekoya alias Princess whom Baba Ijesha is accused of sexually molesting her 14-year-old foster daughter was also present in court for proceedings. She arrived at 8.52am.

    Nollywood actor, Mr Yomi Fabiyi also made an appearance in the courtroom at 9.49am.

    As at the time of the filing of this report, proceedings began at 11 01 a.m.

  • Udom rejigs cabinet, drops Justice Commissioner who just bagged SAN

    Udom rejigs cabinet, drops Justice Commissioner who just bagged SAN

    Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel has dropped from his cabinet the newly appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Nwoko and 71 others were last year (December) sworn-in as SANs.

    However, Nwoko, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the current administration, was not reappointed along with three others.

    He has been replaced by another SAN, Uko Essien Udom.

    This is the third time Emmanuel is rejigging his State Executive Council since assumption of office in 2015.

    The governor while swearing in of four newly appointed commissioners and five permanent secretaries at the banquet hall of the Governor’s Office on Monday charged them to put the interest of the state first.

    Those sworn-in as Commissioners included: Uko Udom SAN, Dr. John James Edet, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet and Pastor Umo Eno. The five Permanent Secretaries on the other hand included: Mr. Ini James Ikie, Dr. Ini Jackson Etukudo, Mrs. Esther Aniekan Inyang, Mrs. Grace Paulinus Jim and Mrs. Abasiekeme Victor Essien.

    He charged the newly sworn-in commissioners on diligent service in the discharge of their duties, adding that they should shun self-aggrandizement but to work always in the interest of the 7.2 million Akwa Ibom people who they have sworn to serve.

    He advised them not to be deterred by criticisms from different quarters but to bring to bear their wealth of experience as expressed in their resume in their contributions towards the success of the Completion Agenda.

    ”We join all right thinking Akwa Ibom people to congratulate the newly appointees and wish them success in their new offices,” the governor said.

  • Okowa congratulates Mrakpor, Abugu, 6 others on elevation to SAN

    Okowa congratulates Mrakpor, Abugu, 6 others on elevation to SAN

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr Peter Mrakpor and six other Deltans on their elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    The others are Prof. Festus Emiri, Prof. Joseph Abugu, Mr Robert Emukpoeruo, Mr Richard Ahonaruogho, Jean Chiazor-Anishere and Uzoma Azikiwe.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa said that he received with joy, the news of the appointment of the seven illustrious Deltans to the enviable position of Learned Silks.

    He described the new SANs as outstanding lawyers whose contributions to the legal profession remained inspiring.

    The governor urged the new SANs to continue to be worthy ambassadors of Delta, adding that they should join others to ensure that there was high professionalism in the temple of justice.

    “As a state, we are proud to see our sons and those living and practicing in our state, making real progress in the latest appointments to Silk.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Messrs Peter Mrakpor, Festus Emiri, Joseph Abugu, Robert Emukpoeruo, Richard Ahonaruogho, Jean Chiazor-Anishere and Uzoma Azikiwe on their elevation to the prestigious Inner Bar.

    “Your sound command of the practice and ethics of the legal profession undoubtedly earned you your promotion to the enviable rank of Senior Advocate.

    “I must remind our new Silks that their conferment comes with a privilege which puts them in an onerous position of responsibility to provide leadership,” Okowa stated.

  • Prof Abugu, 70 others bag SAN [See full list]

    Prof Abugu, 70 others bag SAN [See full list]

    Prof Joseph Efeyemineni Abugu and 70 other legal luminaries have been selected as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the immediate past Legal Adviser to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Babatunde Ogala was also selected as SAN released today.

    See full list below:

    LIST OF SUCCESSFUL SAN APPLICANTS 2020

    1. Terkura Douglas Pepe, Esq

    2. Aliyu Omeza Saiki, Esq

    3. Jacob Enunwe Ochidi, Esq

    4. Abdulwahab Mohammed, Esq

    5. Moses Alfred Ebute, Esq

    6. Taiye Abimbola Oladipo, Esq

    7. Mumuni Adebimpe Jimoh, Esq

    8. Muhammadu Katu Sani Ndanusa

    9. Mohammed Mohammed Ndarani, Esq

    10. Gideon Musa Kuttu, Esq

    11. Abdullahi Yahaya

    12. Tijanni Alkali Gazali, Esq

    13. Mella Audu Nunghe

    14. Yusuf Nya Akirikwen

    15. Yakubu Abdullahi Hussaini-Ruba

    16. Nasiru Adamu Aliyu, Esq

    17. Abdul Mohammed, Esq

    18. Hussaini Zakariyau

    19. Uwadiogbu Sonny Ajala

    20. Ukachi Fredrick Onuobia, Esq

    21. Joseph Nnabuezeh Mbadugha, Esq

    22. Chukwudi Chudi Obieze, Esq

    23. Afam Josiah Osigwe

    24. Ejike Chukwugekwu Ezenwa

    25. Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, Esq

    26. Lotanna Chuka Okoli, Esq

    27. Tochukwu Dominic Maduka

    28. Chukwuemeka Obiajuru Nwagu

    29. Henry Okechukwu Akunebu, Esq

    30. Uwemedimo Thomas Nwoko, Esq

    31. Boma Florence A. Alabi(Mrs)

    32. Efefiom Otu Efiom Ekong

    33. Lawrence Fubara Anga, Esq

    34. Robert Egwuno Emukpoeruo, Esq

    35. Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor, Esq

    36. Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, Esq

    37. Jean Chiazor Anishere (Ms)

    38. Uzoma Henry Azikiwe

    39. Osayaba Omorodion Giwa, Esq

    40. Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, Esq

    41. Babalola George Olatunde

    42. Taiwo Johnson Kupolati, Esq

    43. Obafemi Anthony Adewale, Esq

    44. Adedapo Osariuyime Tunde-Olowu, Esq

    45. Fatai-Ajibola Dalley, Esq

    46. Babatunde Kohn Kwame Ogala, Esq

    47. Bashorun Oluwatoyin Ajoke Ms

    48. Olumide Folarin-David Ayeni Esq

    49. Olusegun Johnson Fabunmi, Esq

    50. John Mofolorunsho Majiyagbe, Esq

    51. Funmilayo Adunni Quadri

    52. Akinola Olugbenga Akintoye

    53. Dada Adekunle Awosika

    54. Remi Peter Olatubora, Esq

    55. Festus Kayode Idepefo, Esq

    56. Rasheed Okiki Adegoke, Esq

    57. Musibau Adetunbi, Esq

    58. Mahmud Kola Adesina, ESQ

    59. Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, Esq

    60. Oladapo Akande Akinosun, Esq

    61. Nureini Soladoye Jimoh, Esq

    62. Oluseun Mobolaji Abimbola, Esq

    ACADEMICS

    1. Prof Afeisimi Dominic Badaiki

    2. Prof Bolaji Olufumunmileyi Owasanoye

    3. Prof Erugo Sampson

    4. Prof Oyewo Edward Oyelowo

    5. Prof Sani Mohammad Adam

    6. Prof Zacheus Adangor

    7. Prof Festus Oghenemaro Emiri

    8. Prof Joseph Efeyemineni Abugu

    9. Prof Sunday Damilola Sunday

    10. Dr Omoh-Eboh Omgbai Ikheowa

  • Ex-minister, Gbagi petitions LPPC, demands stoppage of conferment of SAN rank on Delta’s Attorney-General

    Ex-minister, Gbagi petitions LPPC, demands stoppage of conferment of SAN rank on Delta’s Attorney-General

    Former minister of state for education and Delta state governorship aspirant, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi has pettioned Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) to halt the process of conferment of the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on the Attorney-General of Delta State, Peter Mrakpor.

    This development is coming some weeks after the embatled ex-minister alleged that Mrakpor was responsible for the issue surrounding the four persons who were stripped naked in his hotel.

    In the petition written against Mrakpor and cited by TheNewsGuru (TNG), Gbagi raised lots of allegations to back his demand against Mrakpor, who hails from Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state (shares same Local council with Gbagi).

    The petition which was addressed to the The Secretary, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee on the 5th October, 2020 was entitled: ‘Petition against Barr. Mrakpor Peter – Attorney General of Delta State for unworthy practices, abuse of powers, instigating communal crisis in several communities and his relentless assault on the fragile limbs of justice in delta State.’

    Part of the petition read:

    “The petition was wrritten on the LPPC’s Notice/Press Release of 24th day of September, 2020. It is on that premise that I write to intimate you on the unprecedented display of impunity, corruption and administrative rascality by Barr. Peter Mrakpor, the Delta State Attorney-General…”

    “Futhermore, all over social media last week the same Peter Mrakpor has been announcing and misleading the public that he has two persons in the LPPC who have guaranteed him success on his conferment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and he has since been receiving congratulatory messages.

    “This few instances and many more ammount to disdainful abuse of official position and crass violation of legal ethics being perpetrated by the Attorney-General of Delta State. It is on theaforementioned grounds and others too numerous to mention that I appeal to you for the sake of the sanctity of the legal profession that you refrain from conferring the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on Barr. Peter Mrakpor as doing so will ammount to gross injustice which cannot be remedied and also lead to mayhem and violence of unimaginable proportion in Delta State.

    “In view of the foregoing and with sense of responsibility, I unequivocally invite you to consider this petition whilst looking into Mr. Mrakpo’s application for the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).”

  • 378 Lawyers sign petition to strip Buhari’s AGF, Malami of SAN title over ‘sole’ amendment of RPC

    378 Lawyers sign petition to strip Buhari’s AGF, Malami of SAN title over ‘sole’ amendment of RPC

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami might have bitten more than he can chew over the recent the amendment to the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners 2007 by his office.

    This is even so as lawyers under the auspices of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) begun the collection of signatures to strip Malami of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) tittle over the amendment to the rules. They accused the minister of individually embarking on the amendment of the conduct without consultation with relevant stakeholders.

    The association insisted no alteration has been made to the rules and therefore directed its members to ignore a gazette on the issue while it engages the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in talks over the matter.

    The controversial gazette which was issued after the controversial amendment to the rules abolishes the payment of legal fees by lawyers.

    The instrument also removes the requirement for NBA stamp and seal on court processes.

    NBA argued in a statement on Sunday by its President, Olumide Akpata, that the gazette or instrument was crafted to weaken its powers.

    The stamps and seals are sold to lawyers at N4,000 for 72 pieces and given to them upon payment of NBA dues.

    Without the stamp, a lawyer cannot submit any document or letter in the court.

    The sale of the stamp and seal is one of the major sources of NBA’s revenue.

    Thus with the coming of the gazette, the use of the stamps is no longer necessary.

    In the statement, Akpata pointed to the Legal Practitioners Act which states that only a resolution of the Bar council, comprising the AGF, attorneys-general of the 36 states of the federation and 20 members of the NBA can issue or amend rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners.

    Akpata accused Malami of amending the rules without taking cognizance of the other parties that are legally supposed to be involved in the process.

    Akpata assured lawyers that he had begun speaking with Malami on the issue and would update them in the coming days.

    As at the last check, about 378 lawyers have signed the petition to strip Malami of the title of SAN.

    The petition registered by Barrister Izu Aniagu on change.org, claimed among others that Malami unilaterally deleted the provisions of the RPC which provides for stamp and seal as well as bar practice fee for government lawyers.

    According to Izu, the AGF had no such power to do so.

     

  • Solicitor General, Human rights activist, Adegboruwa, 36 others bag SAN title

    Solicitor General, Human rights activist, Adegboruwa, 36 others bag SAN title

    The Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF) and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Adetayo Toba Apata, human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Samuel Adegboruwa and Adedoyin Oyinkan Rhodes-Vivour, wife of Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of the Supreme Court are among 38 lawyers conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) this year.
    Chief Registrar and Secretary, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha made this public while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
    Mrs. Mustapha said, out of the 117 lawyers that applied for the rank this year, 80 were short-listed, out of which the final 38 emerged.
    She said the final 38 constitutes of two females, three from the academics and 35 advocates.
    Mrs. Mustapha added that four female lawyers applied for the rank this year, from among whom two were chosen.
    Other successful ones are: Abdullahi Haruna, Manga Mohammed Nurudeen, John Onuegbulam Asoluka, Adedokun Matthew Makinde, Daniel Chwukwudi Enwelum, Emmanuel Adeyeye Oyebanji, Tuduru Uchendu Ede and Abdul Olajide Ajana.
    Also on the list are: Ama Vemaark Etuwewe, Oladipo Adekorede Olasope, Leslie Arthur Olutayo Nylander, Olusegun Oyediran Fowowe, Andrew Essien Hutton, Olukayode Abayomi Enitan, Paul Harris Adkole Ogbole, Olaniyi Maruph Olopade, Samuel Ngozi Agweh and Olusegun Omoniyi Jolaawo.
    Others are: Prof Alphonsus Okoh Alubo, Ayo Asala, Abiodun Adediran Olatunji, Olumide Andrew Aju, Chimezie Victor, Chikwem Ihekweazu, Prof Mamman Lawan, Prof Uchefula Ugonna Chuwumaeze and Usman Ogwu Sule.
    Also listed are: Safiya Umar Babamasi, Echezona Chukwudi Etiaba, Godwin Osemeahon Omoaka, Emeka Onyemaechi Ozoani, Alexander Chukwudi Ejesieme, Aikhunigbe Anthony Malik, Alhassan Akeje Umar and Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi.
    Mrs. Mustapha said the swearing in ceremony of the successful 38 legal practitioners will take place during the 2019/2020 Supreme Court’s new legal year celebration, scheduled for September 2019.

  • Alleged N400mn fraud: Metuh fires SAN, hires new lawyer for defence

    Alleged N400mn fraud: Metuh fires SAN, hires new lawyer for defence

    A new lawyer, Abel Ozioko, on Wednesday announced his appearance before a division of the Federal High Court in Abuja as the new counsel for a former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.

    Metuh is facing a seven-count charge of diversion of N400 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

    The court had earlier on Wednesday discharged the counsel who was representing the defendant in the trial, Onyechi Ikpeazu.

    The court decision to discharge Ikpeazu was as a result of a letter by Metuh dated March 6 and filed March 12, informing the court of his intention to disengage the senior advocate from representing him in the trial.

    During the session on Wednesday, Ikpeazu told the court that Metuh had debriefed them.

    “The first defendant wrote a letter debriefing us.”

    According to him, Metuh said he no longer wanted them as the legal team representing him, noting that he has the right to choose his counsel.

    “He said he believes we can no longer effectively represent him and that he has a right to choosing,” Ikpeazu told the court.

    “If it pleases the court to grant him his constitutional right and discharge me and other counsel in our chambers from further appearing. I apply that we be allowed to withdraw the application.”

    Responding, the second defendant’s counsel, Tochukwu Onwubufor, said: “In my opinion, he should move the application and affidavit of facts, section 349(7 and 8) which ought to be complied with.”

    Onwubufor is the lawyer for Dextra Investment Ltd, the company charged with Metuh in the trial.

    “I do not think a counsel is allowed to withdraw by mere affidavits of facts which were filed by counsel to the first defendant. Before a court ceases to act, it must be an order of the court.

    “I urge the court to hear the application alongside the affidavits of facts filed.

    “The prosecution has filed a counter affidavit and the second defendant (we have also filed a reply. So the issue has been joined.

    In his part, the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, said they were on the same page with the second defendant’s counsel.

    Again, Ikpeazu said “a party cannot be forced to move an application which he has withdrawn.”

    Following argument from both counsel, the presiding judge, Abang Okon, made a short ruling.

    “The moment a defendant debriefs his counsel, there is nothing a court of law can do.

    “He has a right to engage and disengage counsel as he so wishes because it is his fundamental human right to do so.”

    He cited section 36(6c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which states that: “Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to – (c) Defend himself in person or by legal practitioners of his own choice.

    “Therefore the application filed by Ikpeazu has been overtaken by an event.

    “Asking Ikpeazu to argue the motion is no longer of use,” Abang added.

    The court wondered why the legal strategy by Metuh but held that it cannot question the defendant’s decision.

    “In any event, I cannot stop the first defendant from presenting who would defend him in court,” the judge said.

    After the ruling, the new lawyer, Ozioko asked for two weeks to enable him to acquaint himself with the matter.

    With the prosecution not objecting to Mr Ozioko’s request, Abang adjourned to March 28 for the continuation of trial on a day-to-day basis.

    “Frivolous application for adjournment will not be entertained, Abang added.

  • Ekiti poll: Fayemi, APC hire 35 SANs, lawyers for defence against Eleka, PDP’s petition

    Ekiti poll: Fayemi, APC hire 35 SANs, lawyers for defence against Eleka, PDP’s petition

    The Governor-elect of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday filed his defence to the petition by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and outgoing Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    The defence team, comprised of 35 lawyers, would be led by eight Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

    The SANs are Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Chief Akin Olujimi, Jelili Owonikoko, John Baiyeshea, Segun Ajibola, Mr Hakeem AfoIabi, Mr. Yomi Aliyu and Dr. Kayode Olatoke.

    In the 2,558-page defence with over 3,000 documents as exhibits, Fayemi averred that he won the gubernatorial election of July 14, 2018 and urged the tribunal to dismiss Olusola’s petition for lacking in merit.

    The team of lawyers armed with 3,500 exhibits and 1,009 witnesses were led to the tribunal by three Senior Advocates of Nigeria:

    Addressing the press after filing the petition, Olatoke who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said Olusola’s petition was a waste of time as it lacked substance and was sure that the case would be dismissed by the tribunal.

    He explained further that Fayemi won fair and square in 12 out of the 16 local government areas of the state, while Olusola won in four.

    Olatoke dismissed Olusola’s claim of over voting in some polling units as frivolous and baseless.

    He said Eleka’s first ground in his petition was based on Fayose’s phantom indictment, which had been nullified and set aside by a competent court.

    “The second ground of Eleka’s (Olusola) petition is alleged over voting, which is another false claim. In any case, the petition in itself is self-defeating.

    “The third ground is on deliberate voiding of votes as alleged by Eleka but in actual fact, majority of the voided ballots were votes meant for Fayemi, while the fourth ground is on vote-buying which is baseless as it was, Eleka’s sponsor, Fayose that was guilty of this.

    “Fayemi won convincingly based on his popularity,” Olatoke said.

    No date has been fixed for hearing.

    Recall that the governorship election in the state was held on July 14 2018 and INEC had since declare Fayemi the winner.