TheNewsGuru

Tag: SAN

  • BREAKING: 31 lawyers appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN

    The Legal Practitioners’ Privilges Committee on Thursday announced the names of 31 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria who will be sworn-in in September.

    Secretary of the LPPC and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hadizatu Mustapha, announced the names of the successful candidates after the 133rd plenary of the committee on Thursday.

    Among the 31 successful candidates selected from 106 applicants were the Attorneys-General of Lagos and Ondo states, Adeniji Kazeem and Adekola Olawoye respectively.

    They also include the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma; the Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun; the National Coordinator of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project, Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, and prominent advocates, Mr. Olalekan Ojo and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika.

    Also on the list was Olabode Olanipekun, son of a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

    The only female who made the list is Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose.

    The rest of the successful candidates included, Oba Abuchi, Essien Udom, Metong Urombo, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, George Igbokwe, Olubowale Taiwo, Oluwole Iyamu, Adekola Olawoye, Stephen Adehi, Oluseun Akinbiyi, Emmanuel Achukwu, Keneth Ahia, Louis Alozie, and Wole Agunbiade.

    The rest are Olayode Delano, Taminu Inuwa, Sonny Wogu, Prof. Offorinze Amucheazi, Adewale Atake, Kehinde Ehighelua, Prof. Muhammed Akanbi, Cosmas Enweluzo, and Ishaka Mudi.

    Announcing the names on the list on Thursday, Mustapha said the successful candidates would be sworn in at the ceremony marking the commencement of the 2018/2019 legal year of the Supreme Court which is to hold on September 24.

    She said 106 lawyers applied for the rank.

    She said among the applicants were 83 who applied in the “advocate category” and 28 under the “academic category.”

    Of all the applicants, only two were female, and only one of whom was successful, Mustapha said.

    “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee at its 133rd plenary session held today (Thursday), July 12, 2018, has elevated 31 legal practitioners to the inner bar.

    “The rank of SAN is awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselves as advocates and academics.

    “The swearing-in ceremony of the 31 legal practitioners will take place during the 2018/2019 New Legal Year of the Supreme Court scheduled for September 24, 2018.”

  • Court orders PDP to pay SAN N180m

    Justice Jude Okeke of FCT High Court, Maitama, on Tuesday ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ), to pay N180 million to Mr Samuel Okutepa ( SAN ) being his professional fee.

    Okeke who delivered judgment in a suit filed by Okutepa against the PDP, said Okutepa deserved to be paid the money for handling the cases for the party.

    “The defendant is directed to pay the claimant N180 million being the earned professional fee for defending and prosecuting their cases listed out in the applicant’s statements of claims.’’

    The court also ordered PDP to pay N50, 000 to Okutepa for successfully handling the cases.

    The judge held that it was not right for the PDP not to pay for the work they knew was well handled by the plaintiff.

    He said that the defendant claimed that they did not give him job to do, as no legal agreement was signed by the parties.

    The judge said that in the records before the court, the applicant was given the brief by the former Governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam, and the Attorney General of Benue.

    He added that the constitution of PDP recognised a state governor as a high officer who can give instructions on behalf of the party.

    “The instructions given to the applicant to handle the matter is binding on the PDP.

    ” The defendant was aware that the applicant conducted the cases and never questioned the instructions of the governor.

  • Misconduct: LPPC sanctions two senior Nigerian lawyers, withdrawals SAN titles

    The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC, on Thursday announced the withdrawal of the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from two lawyers for misconduct.

    In a statement signed by its secretary, Hadiza Mustapha, the committee said the first affected lawyer, Oluwatoyin Bashorun, would not be allowed to re-apply for the position till after three years.

    According to the statement, the other lawyer, Kunle Ogunban has been relinquished of all privileges attached to the title.

    “At the last Emergency Meeting which was held on September, 15 2017; the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee by virtue of Section 5 (1) of the Legal Practitioners Act CAP L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. 2004 as amended, decided to suspend the oonferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on Oluwatoyin Ajoke Bashorun Esq. pending the investigation of all petitions filed against her.

    “This is to notify the General Public that after a thorough investigation of the petition, the sub-committee as setup by the Legal Practitioners’ Privdeges Committee (at which the Applicant was given a fair hearing) at its 129m Plenary Meeting upheld the recommendations of the subcommittee to wit:

    “That the petitioner’s petition is meritorious, having found that the respondent stayed and continued to stay in a rented property for nine years without paying rent.

    “That Oluwatoyin Ajoke Bashorun Esq. being an officer in the temple of Justice and an aspirant to the exalted position of Senior Advocate of Nigeria has conducted herself in a manner which is clearly in contravention of the provisions of paragraphs 18(2) (a) & (c) and 19 (a) (b) (c) & (d) of the,” the statement said.

    Regarding Mr. Ogumba, the statement said thus:

    “Honeywell Group petitioned Kunle Ogunba SAN alleging professional misconduct against him. The misconduct allegedly consists of the institution of multiplicity of proceedings before different judges of the Federal High Court on the same subject with the deliberate aim of abusing the process of court and derailing the course of justice.

    This is to further notify the General Public that after a thorough investigation of the petition by the sub-committee set up by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (at which the Respondent was given a fair hearing) it was decided that the petition is meritorious. Consequently, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee at its 129th Plenary Meeting has withdrawn the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kunle Ogunba Esq. and all other privileges attached to the rank forthwith.”

    According to the statement, the guidelines for the conferment of the title which Mr. Bashorun was found wanting in complying with include the following:

    “The candidate must be of good character and must have no pending disciplinary case or complaint relating to professional misconduct against him. A candidate shall he considered ineligible if in the opinion of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee the candidate is adjudged to be of the following disposition:

    “Bad behaviour, whether in or out of Court; poor temperament or propensity to insult or assault people or cause them harm or put them in a state of fear of bodily harm;

    “Evidence of moral depravity or other socially unacceptable behaviour; 19(I) A candidate must:

    “Demonstrate high professional and personal integrity; b. Be honest and straightforward in all his professional/personal dealings,c. Be of good character and reputation; d. Be candid with clients and professional colleagues.”

  • SAN title: Keyamo receives award for commitment to defence of human rights [Video]

    Human rights activist, Barr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), was on Friday honoured by a group of women rights organization led by the president of Women Arise for Change Initiative and the Campaign for Democracy, Dr. “Joe” Okei-Odumakin.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Keyamo along with 29 other eminent legal practitioners in Nigeria were recently honoured with the SAN award.

    An elated Keyamo took to his Twitter handle @fkeyamo to announce his reception of the award.

    Keyamo twitted: “Just been honoured by some leading human/women’s rights organisations in Nigeria in recognition of my elevation as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and for my struggle with them over the years”

  • Video: Lawyers, traditional rulers, unions, others celebrate Keyamo’s elevation to SAN rank

    Lawyers, traditional rulers, unions, media moguls, among other eminent Nigerians from all walks of life gathered at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday, to felicitate with human rights activist, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who was recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBIzXwc5UHE

    For the over-joyed lawyer, the event turned out not only as an avenue to express his gratitude over his elevation. It also attracted him multiple honours from some stakeholder public who valued his immense contribution to the development of social justice in Nigeria.

    In acknowledgement of his strides in the country’s legal sector, a delegation led by Prof. Joe Abugu and Olorogun Jones Binitie – kinsmen of Keyamo, who hails from Uvwie Local Government Area, near Warri in Delta State, bestowed him an award having set the record as the first person to attain the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title in his community.

    Similarly, the Alumni Association of Ambrose Alli University, AAU [Formerly known as Bendel State University – where Keyamo obtained a LL.B degree in law] and a union of pensioners, teachers in Lagos both presented him awards in commemoration of his achievement.

    Contained in a pamphlet titled, “Profile of Festus Keyamo, SAN, FCIARB (UK) as he takes silk” printed by Keyamo’s office and shared with some of the distinguished guests who attended the ceremony is a chronological narration of how the gifted lawyer achieved a colourful career in law.

    In a compendium of commendations showered on Keyamo from the inner bar over his new SAN title, eminent lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said, “Festus Egwarewa Keyamo, Esq is a highly respected advocate who has cut a niche for himself as a brilliant research-oriented, matured, calm, and respectful legal practitioner…his knowledge of law is deep and profound; while his advocacy is very enchanting…”

    I still stand by every word of this testimonial, and excitedly add that he has come to add value to the exalted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.”

    Accordingly, another respected legal luminary, Femi Falana (SAN), said the legal profession has honoured itself by honouring Keyamo with the SAN title.

    “Keyamo’s unalloyed commitment to high ethical standards and moral integrity…I have no doubt in my mind that he will never fail people in the the titanic battle to free them from ruthless oppression by the ruling class.” Falana added

    Among the list of those who graced the event are lawyers, Dele Adesina [SAN], Bolaji Ayorinde [SAN]; Rotimi Jacobs [SAN], Oladapo Olanipekun [SAN]; media practitioners, Publisher, TheNewsGuru.com, Mr. Mideno Bayagbon; his counterpart in The Punch newspapers, Wale Aboderin; Chairman of Brilla FM, Larry Izamoje.

    Others include entertainers, Paul Okoye of P-Square; Actress, Lilian Bach, and of course the ever thrilling Alter Plate Music CEO, Harrysong, who spiced the evening with lovely songs and exposed to the amazement of the guest, some of the good dance moves the astute lawyer, Keyamo has been keeping while nurturing his career in law.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Your SAN ranks will be withdrawn if abused, Onnoghen warns Keyamo, Oke, 27 others

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen (SAN), on Monday, while swearing in 29 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) warned them to respect the profession or have the title withdrawn.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the new SANs sworn in at the Special Court of the Supreme Court in Abuja included a Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo and the Alliance for Democracy’s candidate in the last governorship election in Ondo State, and a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olusola Oke.

    The inauguration of the new SANs is part of the proceedings of a special court session marking the commencement of the new 2017/2018 legal year of the Supreme Court.

    The event was presided over by the CJN, who warned the new SANs not to abuse their new position or else it would be withdrawn.

    He said, “I must remind you that being a privilege, it can, and shall be withdrawn if abused.

    “The privilege you are conferred with today is not intended as a weapon of intimidation or licence for rudeness and arrogance.

    “It is an appointment that places both moral and professional duties on you, for which you have been found worthy to bear and discharge.

    “As members of the Inner Bar, you now occupy positions of trust and great responsibility.

    “Expectedly, you must imbibe every virtue of excellence, integrity, and diligence at all times. You must also remember your duties to the Courts as custodians of justice.”

    Also a brother to the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Akinlolu Osinbajo, who is a former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Ogun State; a former Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Prof. Adebambo Adewepo, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Adedeji Adekunle, were also among the new SANs.

    They also included Chibuike Nwokeukwu, Johnnie Egwuonwu, Bert Igwilo, Sylvester Enema, Ikenna Egbuna and Wilcox Aberton.

    Others included, Michael Alliyu, Francis Egele, Nasser Dangiri, Emeka Okpoko, Sani Garun-Gabbas, Abdul Ibrahim, John Odubela, Gboyega Oyewole and Joshua Musa.

    They also included, Ibrahim Mohammed, Ekemejero Ohwovorile,Oyetola Oshobi, Sulaiman Usman, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, Chiesonu Okpoko and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

    The rest are Professors Enefiok Essien, and Sadiq Shikyl.

  • Only female lawyer on SAN award list loses title as LPPC postpones conferment on 29 others

    The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has reversed its earlier decision to award the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to a Lagos-based female lawyer, Oluwatoyin Ajoke Bashorun.

    Bashorun was the only female lawyer on the list of 30 lawyers nominated by the LPPC earlier this year.

    The LPPC announced the withdrawal of the title to Mrs. Bashorun in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday. The statement was signed by the committee’s Secretary, Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha.

    The statement said the decision to withhold the rank from Mrs. Bashorun was taken at a meeting of the LPPC held on Friday.

    However, TheNewsGuru.com reports that the statement was silent on the reason behind the sudden withdrawal of the rank to Mrs. Bashorun. It said investigation on her case was on going.

    The statement also did not say why the conferment of the rank on the remaining 29 lawyers, scheduled for September 18 has been shifted.

    Part of the statement reads: “Recall that the LPPC announced the nomination for appointment of 30 successful applicants for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. This was after a thorough investigation of petitions against some of the applicants which is governed by Paragraph 12(2) of the LPPC Guidelines, 2016.

    “However, after the announcement, more facts have emerged, touching on the eligibility of the otherwise successful applicants.

    “Consequent upon that, the LPPC, in an emergency meeting held today, 15th day of September, 2017, has decided to defer the conferment of the rank of SAN on Oluwatoyin Ajoke Bashorun, pending further investigation of her case by a special constituted committee set up by my lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, chairman of LPPC.”

  • FULL LIST: Osinbajo’s brother, Keyamo, 28 others awarded SAN rank

    FULL LIST: Osinbajo’s brother, Keyamo, 28 others awarded SAN rank

    A former Attorney- General of Ogun State and younger brother of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Akinlolu Oluyinka Osinbajo, rights activist, Festus Egwarewa Keyamo, Senior Official of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Chiezonu Igbojamuike Okpoko and Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Olusola Alex Oke were among 30 lawyers conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on Thursday.

    The conferring authority, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) took the decision at its 127th General Meeting held in Abuja.

    The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary to the LPPC, Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha, announced this at a press conference in Abuja.

    She said the 30 SAN-designates would be conferred with the rank at a on September 18.

    See Full List of new SANs

    1. Chibuike Adindu Nwanne Nwokeukwu

    2. Johnnie Nnaemeka Egwuonwu

    3. Bert Chukwuneta Igwilo

    4. Sylvester Emenike Elema

    Wilcox Achace Abereton

    7. Michael Abayomi Bisade Alliyu

    8. Akinlolu Oluyinka Osinbajo

    9. Francis Forum Egele

    10. Prof. Enefiok Effiong Essien

    11. Prof. Sadiq Slyvester Shikyl

    12. Prof. Adebambo Anthony Adewopo

    13. Prof. Adedeji Olusegun Adekunle

    14. Olusola Alex Oke

    15. Nasser Abdu Dangiri

    16. Oluwatoyin Ajoke Bashorun

    17. Emeka Peter Okpoko

    Sani Hussani Garun-Gabbas

    19. Abdul Atadoga Ibrahim

    20. John Olusegun Odubela

    21. Gboyega Sanmi Oyewole

    22. Joshua Yusuf Musa

    23. Ibrahim Sani Mohammed

    24. Festus Egwarewa Keyamo

    25. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole

    26. Oyetola Oshobi

    27. Sulaiman Usman

    28. Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju

    29. Chiesonu Igbojamuike Okpoko

    30. Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade

     

  • BREAKING: Keyamo, 29 others awarded SAN rank

    BREAKING: Keyamo, 29 others awarded SAN rank

    Senior Lawyer Festus Keyamo has finally been awarded the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    Keyamo was among 30 persons awarded the rank on Thursday by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee.

    Excited about his career development, Keyamo twitted on his official Twitter account, “We started from the bottom, now we are here”

    Other notable persons include the Alliance for Democracy’s candidate in the last governorship candidate in Ondo State, Olusola Oke, and Akinlolu Osinbajo brother to the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

    The award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is a privilege awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession who are in full time legal practice, have distinguished themselves as advocates and have made significant contribution to the development of the legal profession.

    Advocacy includes both written and oral advocacy before the higher courts arbitrations and tribunals.

    The award is an independent indication of excellence in the legal profession.

    It is to provide a public identification of advocates whose standing and achievement would justify an expectation on the part of clients, the judiciary and the public that they can provide outstanding services as advocates and advisers in the overall best interest of administration of justice.

  • Legal practitioners committee strips senior lawyer of SAN title

    A senior lawyer, B.I Nwofor has been stripped of his Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, title by Nigeria’s Legal Practitioners Privilege committee.

    The decision was taken at the committee’s 126th general meeting held on June 22 and was contained in a letter from the privileges committee. It was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ahmed Salleh.

    It said, “The legal practitioner’s privileges committee at its 126th General meeting held on June 22nd, 2017, considered extensively the complaint filled by the court of appeal of Nigeria against B. E . I. Nwofor, Esq. a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; with his response to same and all material facts, and have decided that B. E. I. Nwofor Esq; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria conducted himself in a manner unbefitting of a holder of the esteemed rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    “By reason of the foregoing, the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (including all its privileges) has been withdrawn from B. E. I Nwofor, forthwith.”

    However, it was not immediately clear what the allegations were against the lawyer.

    You may also read: http://thenewsguru.ng/no-right-invade-sun-ozekhome-tells-efcc/