Embattled incumbent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Treasurer, Caroline Ladidi Anze-Bishop has yet another hurdle to cross in her quest for the coveted position of NBA General Secretary as a second petition has been slammed on her by another lawyer seeking her disqualification from the race.

CITY LAWYER had in an exclusive report stated how Falana and Falana Chambers had petitioned the ECNBA urging it to disqualify Anze-Bishop. The letter was signed by its Head of Chambers, Mr. Samuel Ogala who noted that he was a bonafide member of NBA Abuja Branch.

Meanwhile, the ECNBA has forwarded the latest petition to Anze-Bishop while again summoning her to a meeting tomorrow as earlier scheduled to answer to the petitions.

Unlike the previous petition which was dated 22nd April, 2024, the latest petition is dated 24th April, 2024 and signed by one Musa Tijjani of U. M. Abdulrahman & Co (Amazon Law Firm), an Abuja based law firm. However, the petition is on all fours with the previous petition save for very minor details.

While Ogala indicated that he is a member of NBA Abuja Branch, the latest petitioner was silent on his branch membership. Also, while Ogala noted that he personally wrote to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to obtain information on the embattled National Treasurer, Tijjani merely referenced the NSCDC correspondence without claiming authorship.

Citing Section 9(3)(b) of the NBA Constitution, he stated that one of the requirements for aspirants to the post of NBA General Secretary is that they must be in full-time private practice.

His words: “Therefore, I write this petition to bring to your attention that a prospective candidate for the office of the General Secretary in the forthcoming NBA Elections by name CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP is not in full time practice, contrary to the requirement of the NBA Constitution,”

Continuing, he wrote: “She is an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC). Presently, she is serving in the Plateau State Command of the Corp. This is a fact known to so many lawyers, both within Plateau State and beyond.”

He stated that a letter was written to the corps to provide information on Anze-Bishop “wherein it was confirmed that the NSCDC holds the information requested regarding CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP.”

He stated that the NSCDC letter “has confirmed that CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP is a staff of the NSCDC, given that they have the required information but cannot release them for the reasons stated.”

The senior lawyer concluded that “In light of all the above facts, I strongly believe that CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP is not qualified to aspire to contest for the office of the General Secretary of the NBA, since she is not in full time private legal practice, which is clearly against the spirit and letters of the NBA Constitution.”

A source who is familiar with the matter said that the latest petition may not be unconnected with the fact that the petition from Falana and Falana Chambers bore an expired NBA Stamp which may raise issues as to the validity of the petition.

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NEWS RELEASE

“Fresh Perspectives: Back to Basics in ADR”

Official Dates Announced for the 24th CIArb Nigeria Conference!

Abuja is set to host the 24th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch. Scheduled for November 6th to 8th, 2024, the event will be the focal point for ADR professionals worldwide to explore innovative practices and foundational principles in arbitration and ADR.

Under the leadership of co-chairs Isaiah Bozimo SAN and Diane Okoko, the planning committee is preparing an agenda that promises to influence ongoing discussions within the global ADR community.

As the conference approaches, participants eagerly anticipate a program rich with educational sessions, engaging discussions, and ample networking opportunities.

Mark your calendars for a transformative experience at the 24th CIArb Nigeria Conference, where the latest innovations in ADR meet longstanding traditions.

Stay tuned for more details about registration and the conference programme, which will be announced shortly.

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The Court of Appeal, Lagos has reserved judgement in the appeal filed by a Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka James, alias Baba Ijesha challenging his conviction by a Lagos State High Court over the sexual assault of a minor.

The three-member panel led by Justice Folasade Ojo reserved the judgement on Tuesday after listening to arguments of the appellant and the respondent. Other members of the panel are Justice Abdullahi Bayero and Justice Paul Bassi.

Baba Ijesha in his Notice of Appeal marked CA/LAG/CR/544/23 asked the appellate court to set side the judgement of the lower court. He was convicted by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja on July 14, 2022 and sentenced to five years imprisonment over the sexual assault of a minor.

The judge found him guilty of four counts out of six counts preferred against him by the Lagos State government in Suit Number ID/14623C/2021.

Dissatisfied with the judgement, Baba Ijesha through his counsel, Mr. Kayode Olabiran, approached the appeal court praying it to declare that his conviction and sentence were done in error.

At the hearing of the appeal on Tuesday, Baba Ijesha’s counsel Olabiran told the court that the appeal was filed on June 1, 2023.

He argued that the prosecution could not prove that Baba Ijesha sexually assaulted the victim. Olabiran said “The charge itself is centred on defilement of a minor but the prosecution couldn’t prove the age of the victim.

“The Appellant was set up. The Appellant is an actor. He acted in a script that he was invited to act by his colleague (PW1), Damilola Adekoya.

“(PW1) Damilola Adekoya, asked the Appeallant to come and act a script. It is in the statement of PW1, at Panti Police Station, unknowingly to the appellant there was a CCTV in the sitting room.

“Whatever we watched in that movie was a script by the producer and the video of the scene of the acting was tendered by the prosecution.

“Based on his confessional statement as at the day of the arrest he was under duress and there were so many people who were beating him that was when he confessed to the offence.”

Olabiran urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgement of the lower court delivered on July 14, 2022.

In his response, Martins urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit and as a misconception.

He urged the court to affirm the judgement of the lower court which convicted Baba Ijesha of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault.

On the age of the victim, Martins submitted that the victim said she was born on October 6, 2006, which puts her age at 14, in 2013 when the offence was committed.

“At the time she gave evidence in 2021, she was 17 years old, which still makes her a child,” he said.

After listening to the parties, the court reserved its judgement till a later date.

It is recalled that the state had through its Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins filed six counts bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration against the convict.

The court found him guilty of indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor between 2013 and 2014, contrary to Section 135 of Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.

Justice Taiwo exonerated him on the offence of sexual assault by penetration which dealt with allegedly assaulting the minor sexually by penetration with his car key seven years ago and attempted sexual assault by penetration during another encounter with the minor on April 22, 2021.

CASEFILE reports that Justice Taiwo had in her judgement held that the convict confessed that he molested the girl in 2021. “The court can convict a person based on his confessions. The convict was consistent in his admission in the two videos,”Justice Taiwo held.

“The argument of the defence that the prosecution failed to state the exact age of the survivor cannot stand as the law states that anyone under the age of 18 years is regarded as a child.”

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These are not the best of times for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch as its members may have shunned a recent Special Court Session in honour of Sir Dixy Oddiri, its deceased one-time branch Secretary and Vice Chairman.

It is recalled that the special court session was scheduled to hold on Monday, 22nd April, 2024 at 2 pm in the premises of the High Court of Lagos State, Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

Decrying the poor turn-out of branch members at the event, the Branch Secretary, Mr. Emuobonuvie Majemite described it as “less than encouraging.”

He stated that “we had a sparse number out of our over 17,000 registered members,” adding that he believed that members “can do better.”

It was unclear at press time what may have led to the poor turn-out.

Below is the full text of the Branch Secretary’s message.

Dear learned silk, seniors and colleagues,

Forgive me for intruding on your night’s rest. I write to thank the few members who were kind and gracious to attend the special court session held in honour of the Late Chief Joseph Edegware Oddiri, better known as Sir Dixy Oddiri. Expectedly, it was an emotive afternoon of rousing eulogies in his honour.

Click here to read the didactic speech of our leader, the Chairman, Mr. Olabisi Makanjuola.

Permit me to take a moment to bemoan the less than encouraging turn out of members at the special court session. Despite our repeated mention of the event at branch meetings, via our Whatsapp and Telegram platforms and via email, we had a sparse number out of our over 17,000 registered members. What is more, while some members contacted me to ask about stamps, others posted information about other lawyer groups in our social media platforms, all during the special court session that we were meant to be attending. I respectfully believe we can do better and urge us, with every sense of responsibility, to accord Bar events the seriousness they deserve.

I am grateful for your time. I wish you all a good night’s rest.

Respectful regards,

Emuobonuvie Alfred Majemite
Secretary

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Leading human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana SAN’s chambers has written to the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to query the candidacy of incumbent NBA Treasurer, Caroline Anze-Bishop in the forthcoming NBA National Elections.

Documents obtained by CITY LAWYER show that the committee has summoned Anze-Bishop to attend a meeting at ECNBA Secretariat on Thursday to defend the petition.

There are strong indications that the fiery NBA National Officer is gunning for the influential position of NBA General Secretary in the elections scheduled to hold in July.

The ECNBA informed Anze-Bishop that “We have received a petition, now attached to this letter, against your candidacy. In accordance with our procedures, we are inviting you to address the allegations contained in the petition before the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA).”

Continuing, the committee wrote: “We therefore kindly request your presence to a meeting with the ECNBA, where you will have the opportunity to address the petition and provide any necessary clarifications. The meeting will hold on Thursday 25th April 2024 at 2:30pm at the ECNBA Secretariat.”

Dated 22nd April, 2024 the letter was signed by ECNBA Chairman, Mr. Oluseun Abimbola SAN and Secretary, Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, the petition by Falana and Falana Chambers was signed by one Samuel Ogala who stated that he is a member of NBA Abuja Branch and in good standing with the Association, having been paying my Bar practising fees and dues as and when due, since my call to the Bar in 2005.”

Citing Section 9(3)(b) of the NBA Constitution, he stated that one of the requirements for aspirants to the post of NBA General Secretary is that they must be in full-time private practice.

His words: “Therefore, I write this petition to bring to your attention that a prospective candidate for the office of the General Secretary in the forthcoming NBA Elections by name CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP is not in full time practice, contrary to the requirement of the NBA Constitution,”

Continuing, he wrote: “She is an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC). Presently, she is serving in the Plateau State Command of the Corp. This is a fact known to so many lawyers., both within Plateau State and beyond.”

He stated that he wrote to the corps to provide information on Anze-Bishop “wherein it was confirmed that the NSCDC holds the information requested regarding CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP.”

Ogala however stated that “the more specific information required were withheld, as they fall under the exemption provided by Section 14(1)(b) of the Act, since there (sic) were more of personal information which would require the consent or approval of the subject individual before their divulging.”

He stated that the NSCDC letter “has confirmed that CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP is a staff of the NSCDC, given that they have the required information but cannot release them for the reasons stated.”

The senior lawyer concluded that “In light of all the above facts, I strongly believe that CAROLINE LADIDI ANZE-BISHOP is not qualified to aspire to contest for the office of the General Secretary of the NBA, since she is not in full time private legal practice, which is clearly against the spirit and letters of the NBA Constitution.”

It is recalled that CITY LAWYER had last November in its special report on the forthcoming elections predicted that the fiery aspirant who sensationally disowned the NBA Annual Report and Accounts at the 2023 NBA Annual General Conference may be dogged by the issue of whether she is in full-time private practice.

Tagged as “A BISHOP’S HURDLE,” the report read: “An NBA political watcher told CITY LAWYER that Anze-Bishop may have to surmount the hurdle of allegedly being a staff on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).”

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A human rights lawyer, Dr. Olubunmi Odeniyi has petitioned major telecom service provider, Airtel Networks Limited over the inferno which engulfed its base station at Ikotun, Lagos killing one Chidi Emmanuel while inflicting “severe life-changing burns” on four others.

In a letter dated 2nd April, 2024, Odeniyi stated that the lives of the victims who were passers-by and residents of the area “are presently at grave risk and danger.”

Noting that the telecoms giant has not offered any assistance to the victims since the incident on March 19, Odeniyi demanded “that Airtel Networks Limited must immediately fly all our Four (4) Clients together with an assistant each to the UK or the USA to the best burns center available abroad and pay all medical and incidental fees.”

Titled “EGREGIOUS NEGLIGENCE OF YOUR COMPANY CAUSING FIRE AND EXPLOSION AND RESULTING IN SEVERE LIFE-CHANGING BURNS TO FOUR (4) VICTIMS ON TUESDAY, 19 MARCH, 2024: DEMAND FOR URGENT MEDICAL REMEDIATION AND COMPENSATION TO FOUR (4) VICTIMS,” the letter was addressed to the Managing Director of Airtel Networks Limited and received by the company on 3rd April, 2024.

Aside from Emmanuel who was killed by the explosion, Feranmi Nureni Oluwatoba, Saheed Adeleke, Franklin Obade and Saheed Raji were badly burnt during the incident.

The human rights activist stated that the telecoms giant abandoned the victims without any medical care, saying: “Our instruction is that your agents and/or privies, a welder and a diesel supplier negligently executed the tasks given to them by you and in the process, a huge fire explosion ensued at and around the BTS which severely burnt our said Clients who are innocent passers-by and residents of the community to the point where their lives are presently at grave risk and danger.

“This unfortunate incident has caused great discomforts, apprehension, pain, suffering and distress, not only to the victims but to their families who have little or no means to attend to their sudden but urgent medical treatments.

“Our further instruction from our Clients is that your company, despite being aware of the incident through your guard on duty at the BTS, have not showed up at the scene nor interacted with our Clients to the end of bringing succour to their medical and psychological distresses.

“The little financial efforts our Clients could muster have not engendered the vital and urgent responses that the situation warrants from you.”

The senior lawyer demanded that if the telecoms company was not willing to fly the victims abroad for medical care, it should avail them with the “cost of medical assistance of their choice and discretion abroad including skin-grafting and plastic surgery” as well as compensation for loss or reduction of life prospects.

Though the telecoms service provider was asked to “enter into an immediate commitment or undertaking to one of the pathways offered above in items 1 and 2 WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS of the date this letter,” it has shunned all entreaties to provide medical assistance to the victims.

CITY LAWYER gathered that a last-ditch effort by the human rights activist to meet with the company’s legal team or the chief executive officer in a desperate bid to obtain urgent medical care for the victims was rebuffed by the company.

The senior lawyer however warned the telecoms giant to “TAKE NOTICE that your BTS at the said location is a potential crime scene for investigation of criminal negligence resulting in the death of one MR. CHIDI EMMANUEL who died from his severe burns at Gbagada General Hospital in addition to the grievous wounds inflicted on our Clients. Any continued operation of the BTS may also unnecessarily inflame passions of the surrounding community and may lead to a breach of the peace.”

The inferno and explosion occurred at the AIRTEL base transceiver station (BTS Lag 767) at Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos State.

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Many lawyers have taken to social media channels to protest the over 600 per cent hike in this year’s Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC) fees.

Aside from some young lawyers under the aegis of “Decent Fees” who recently launched an online petition against the fees approved by NBA National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) at its recent meeting in Yola, most lawyers who spoke on the 2024 fees have nothing but harsh words concerning the increment.

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Chairperson of the NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya had yesterday presented the proposed AGC rates to NBA-NEC for approval at its meeting in Yola.

But as soon as news of the increment hit the social media, lawyers began to dissect the figures, arguing that the fee schedule does not align with current economic realities.

It is recalled that while the Early Bird rate for young lawyers during the 2023 AGC was as low as N7, 500 for lawyers who met the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements, the rate has jumped by nearly 700% to N50,000. Lawyers of 10-19 years post-call will pay N75,000 as Early Bird rate as against N36,000 last year, indicating about 100% increase, while lawyers of 20 years and above post-call experience enjoy perhaps the most marginal increment of a mere N5,000, paying N100,000 as Early Bird rate as against N95,000 paid last year.

Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Attorneys-General and Benchers will pay N250,000 as Early Bird rate as against N190,000 paid during the 2023 AGC. Magistrates also witnessed a marginal increment of about 25% in their rates from N50,000 to N75,000 while Judges/Khadis will pay N100,000 as against N75,000 paid last year. Virtual attendance was free for young lawyers in 2023 but will cost N5,000 this year.

While the young lawyers argue that AGC committee heaped more burden on them than senior lawyers by the over 600% increase in their fee, others say the parlous economy does not justify the sharp increments.

Commenting on one of the lawyers’ WhatsApp forums, a lawyer wrote: “Wow! The AGC 2024 Registration fee for Early Bird is so high concerning the nature of things in the country.”

Responding, another lawyer wrote: “The fees should be looked into …. We all know that most young lawyers can’t cough out such amount of money, being that most of the firms do no pay or pay little… If they don’t want the young lawyers to attend they should simply say it… Then imagine fare to Lagos, Hotel accomodations (sic), other miscellaneous… It should be reviewed pls. Come to think of it, we paid Bar dues already… So why the heavy amount? 50k +130 flight (35k bus)+20k hotel (cheap one oo) lol for 4 days o.”

While another commentator quipped that “Is good when you marry two wife you will know which is best,” another lawyer noted that “They actually considered the situation of the country, then they decided the burden should be on you and not on the association. That’s exactly what the government does, they increase your taxes and bills once the going gets tough. No difference! Just a bunch of self-serving greedy leaches calling themselves leaders.”

Waxing philosophical, another commentator wrote: “What good had the YC administration done for lawyers? What value has he brought to the profession? This is how he wraps up his rule? With this grand extortion?”

Fiery blogger Felix Ashimole attempted to defend the new rates, saying, “But NEC Members approved it! So hold your NEC Members responsible. But there is over 45% inflation rate between last year and now!” 

Yet another commentator however fired back, saying: “That is why the person that proposed the budget that executed last year own (Mazi Afam Osigwe) deserves Aka (applause). It is what the committee proposed that INEC approved.”

Harping on transparency, another lawyer wrote: “NBA should declare to us all the donations from individuals, government of local, state and Federal. Also that of NGO’s, foreign bodies and companies for the conference.”

A ranking Bar Leader who spoke to CITY LAWYER on condition of anonymity said: “There is war in the platforms. In fact, if I dare defend Badejo (-Okusanya) again they will eat me raw.”

Though the AGCPC Chairperson had informed NBA-NEC that the increase was due to the current 30 % national inflation rate, many young lawyers argue that their rate should not have shot up by almost 700% as against the 30% inflation rate.

Below are reasons given by signatories for signing the online petition by young lawyers. It remains to be seen whether the NBA will effect a downward review of the rates in view of the groundswell of protests against the rates.

Asogwa Ferdinand
The amount attached for this years confrence (sic) for young lawyers is highly insensitive

Wonder Ajibobola
Most young lawyers in Nigeria earn below 50 thousand naira month, which is actually way too small considering the economic situation of the country. The least the association can do is to give young lawyers a soft landing.

Frank Eze
The Conference fees is elitist

Ekundayo Oluwafemi
The amount required to pay is too high and I don’t have the capacity

Emmanuel Nwafor
I want the NBA to look in to the conference fee and also consider the economy of Young Lawyer, so that they will have the sense of belong and share joy with our seniors, as we learn along…

Fasasi Sodiq
I’m signing this because of the outrageous amount of NBA conference fee for lawyers which I find ridiculous. In a sane clime the conference supposed to be free. Some of this lawyers are still suffering to find their footings. Now a platform designed for network turned to an extorting spree…

Leonard Abah
The fee is unreasonably Outrageous and the reasons attributed for it are not good enough

Ledua Zor-Akekue
I am a young lawyer and want attend the conference, but with this current fee I will not be able to attend. This fee is obviously high for a young lawyer.

Mmaduabuchi Okeh
The fee is harsh and beyond the reach of many young lawyers

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Some young lawyers under the aegis of “Decent Fees” have launched an online petition against the fees approved by the Nigerian  Bar Association (NBA) National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) for the forthcoming NBA Annual General Conference (AGC).

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Chairperson of the NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC) Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya had yesterday presented the proposed AGC rates to NBA-NEC for approval at its meeting in Yola.

But the young lawyers have kicked against the rates, saying: “The decision to impose such a hefty fee for attending the NBA conference disproportionately affects young lawyers, many of whom are still establishing themselves in the legal profession and may not have the financial means to afford such an expense. We believe that access to professional development opportunities, such as conferences, should not be restricted by financial barriers.”

Titled “Reduce NBA Conference Fees for Young Lawyers,” the petitioners noted that “As young professionals who are just starting our legal careers, many of us are already grappling with financial challenges, including student loan debt and limited earning potential.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Early Bird rate for young lawyers during the 2023 AGC was as low as N7,500 for lawyers who met the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements. However, the Early Bird rate for this year’s conference has jumped to N50,000, showing almost 700 %. Badejo-Okusanya had argued that the increase was due to the current 30 % national inflation rate.

The Regular Rate was N20,000 while Late Registration attracted N40,000. The rates for this year stand at N75,000 for Regular Rate and N200,000 for Late Registration.

Below is the full text of the petition which has garnered 317 signatures at press time.

Dear Fellow Young Lawyers,

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the recent decision of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to impose a significant financial burden on young lawyers by requiring a fee of 50,000 Naira for its Annual Conference.

As young professionals who are just starting our legal careers, many of us are already grappling with financial challenges, including student loan debt and limited earning potential.

The decision to impose such a hefty fee for attending the NBA conference disproportionately affects young lawyers, many of whom are still establishing themselves in the legal profession and may not have the financial means to afford such an expense. We believe that access to professional development opportunities, such as conferences, should not be restricted by financial barriers.

Moreover, the NBA should recognize the invaluable contributions that young lawyers make to the legal profession and the legal community as a whole.

By investing in the professional growth and development of young lawyers, the NBA can ensure a vibrant and inclusive legal profession for generations to come.

Therefore, we respectfully request a review of the decision to impose a 50,000 Naira fee for young lawyers attending the NBA Annual Conference.

We urge the NBA to consider reducing or waiving the conference fees for young lawyers, or to implement a sliding scale fee structure based on income levels to ensure accessibility for all. We believe that by reducing the financial burden on young lawyers, the NBA will demonstrate its commitment to supporting the next generation of legal professionals and fostering a more equitable and inclusive legal community.

We call on all young lawyers in Nigeria to join us in endorsing this petition and advocating for #ReduceNBAconferencefeesforyounglawyers.

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A leading aspirant in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Port Harcourt Branch Elections, Mrs. Cordelia Eke has urged young lawyers to break out of their “comfort zone” and network in order to boost their career.

Speaking recently at the monthly meeting of the NBA Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF), Port Harcourt Branch, Eke, who is also a Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, dwelt on the topic, “NETWORKING AS A TOOL FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION.”

She noted that “Staying in your comfort zone is not going to put food on your table; you have to break out. I had to learn to socialize; as a young lawyer, I went to law firms to ask to handle their briefs. I learnt how to relate with seniors as a young lawyer.”

Saying that she was “shy almost to the point of timidity” as a young person, she however noted that she had to “break out” by joining NBA committees. “It gave me access to a lot of people,” she said, adding that “As a young lawyer, my wedding was well attended; Chief Okey Wali SAN attended, among other Bar Leaders. Though I didn’t know so much as a young lawyer, I learnt to speak up.”

The former Secretary of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) urged young lawyers not to ignore peer-to-peer networking, adding that they must be trustworthy and exhibit honesty in all their dealings with professional colleagues and others.

She warned against “looking down” on court registrars or other classes, noting that they could be very helpful in some circumstances.

The Bar Leader noted that her network has helped in boosting her career and professional development as a practitioner and President of the 1995 Law School Class.

She also advised that young lawyers should break out and network with delegates outside their usual network especially during conferences, adding that this has led to new opportunities for some lawyers.

Eke urged young lawyers to “network upwards” with senior lawyers as this could lead to recommendations for committee roles or new briefs, urging them to also explore networking opportunities in churches, clubs, and through volunteering.

On virtual networking, she noted that young lawyers should be more adept at this than senior lawyers, saying that “LinkedIn is top on my list. You also have Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter among others.”

Her words: “The important thing is to look for the opportunity to break out of the norm. Make yourself known, get involved and look for opportunity to showcase your talent. There are people who have travelled abroad via LinkedIn.”

Continuing, she said: “LinkedIn is a purely professional network. It connects you to influencers, experts, prospective mentors; it gives you an opportunity to showcase yourself professionally, and allows you to join some trade groups.”

Commending the Bar Leader for her speech, the Chairman of NBA-YLF Port Harcourt Branch, Dr. Victor Enebeli decried the invasion of the venue by hired thugs, saying: “I am not here as a political chairman; I am here as a chairman to lead.”

He added that Mrs. Eke was invited in her own right, saying: “We know quality when we see one; we know experience when we see one.”

The highlight of the session was when one young lawyer Godswill Okuru attested to getting a job placement via networking with Mrs. Eke.

The speech by Eke received intermittent applause from the excited audience in the parked hall.

Among those who attended the session are former NBA Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Okey Ohagba and former NBA Port Harcourt Branch Chairman, Mr. Sylvester Adaka. Others are two former chairmen of NBA YLF Port Harcourt Branch, Messrs Chisor Kejeh and Felix Ikpo. 

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Baring last-minute rapprochement, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) currently in session in Yola may suspend NBA Second Vice President, Mr. Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo over his seeming face-off with NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN.

CITY LAWYER gathered that there may be a motion under “Any Other Business” to suspend the outspoken Second Vice President who has recently criticized the NBA leadership over some policy decisions.

The NBA Second Vice President had berated Maikyau for holding NBA-NEC meetings exclusively in the Northern Zone. He also lampooned the NBA President for appointing committee members without recourse to the NBA Executive Committee, saying the practice goes contrary to the NBA Constitution and that Maikyau he is running a “dictatorship.”

Ugo was said to have alluded to the impending move in a Facebook post while responding to a commentator, saying he is aware of such a move.

There are strong indications that Maikyau has not been amused by the criticisms, especially coming from a ranking National Officer. He is said to be planning to extract his pound of flesh through the NBA-NEC.

The council recently dissolved the elected Executive Committee of the NBA Section on public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) following a similar face-off between the NBA President and estranged Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL, Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins.

The dissolved NBA-SPIDEL Executive Committee has since gone to court to nullify the NBA-NEC resolution.

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Nepotism Under the Current CJN has taken a New Form.

By Bayo Akinlade 

When one considers the history of the legal profession anywhere in the world it is not unusual to have family members heavily present in the practice whether as lawyers or as judges; afterall it is a noble profession and it’s nobility and the high cost of being a member of the profession would mean one is of wealthy and influential means.

Over the years, children of lawyers have themselves become lawyers, to take over their parents’ firms or their parents’ spots in the practice. And this goes for many professions and business that have survived from generation to generations. We mostly hear the term “Family Business”, the legal profession is mostly structured this way as well, with many lawyers wanting and even ensuring that their children become lawyers to carry on the legal legacy and if not children, a brother, sister, nephew or a cousin – and even in-laws.

It is also the same if one’s parent or family member becomes a Judge or a magistrate. There is a strong leaning towards bringing one’s family into the same line of work, especially if you feel that the line of work is a prosperous and comfortable one. Wealth and influence are the key words here.

On the part of practice in a law firm, it is mostly about wealth while for the Judiciary, it’s about influence.

What then makes it a big deal regarding the current state of affairs where many have criticized the appointment of Judges with very close family relationships at the level of the National Judicial Council, the Federal and State Judicial Service Commissions which are the appointing bodies for the Judiciary.

Let me opine here that I do not think this is about whether or not family members of Heads of Court are qualified or not, it’s about the naked show of Judicial rascality at the highest level. (Pardon my bluntness). This rascality is caused by the inadequacy of our current laws regarding appointment of Judges. Did you know that at the State level, appointment of magistrates is in the hands of State Governors? These Governors also have tremendous powers in the appointment of High Court Judges and Justices of the Court of Appeal? Indirectly, every Supreme Court Justice and all Heads of Courts owe their position to one Governor or the other. But this is not my point here.

“Let me opine here that I do not think this is about whether or not family members of Heads of Court are qualified or not, it’s about the naked show of Judicial rascality at the highest level.”

The Judiciary is not a law firm or a private business where one who reaches its highest office should imagine it as a legacy platform in which to insert his family members or close friends. It is a service structure that requires people with a high moral standard, people who are not easily influenced and who will speak truth to power; people who, when they get to the position of authority, would consider the best minds and are willing to appoint an unknown, not socially or politically exposed lawyer into the Bench.

The dangers of this nepotistic trend is unquantifiable; it chips away at the independence of the Judiciary – not in a financial way but in a moral way. A judge who becomes one with the influence of a family member is already compromised, even though they may not know it. But when push comes to shove, our Nigerian traditional ethics dominate the ethics given to us by our colonial masters – respect your elders or be cursed for life

Again, one would wonder why anyone will want their family members on the Bench because it is obvious there is no money in it (wealth). Yes, judicial officers are not paid very well but the way they insert their children and other family members into the Bench may mean there is wealth to gain, since you cannot survive this economy on influence alone except that influence translates to wealth – in which case we end up having a corrupt judge to deal with.

I end this to ask, what should we do to discourage this current nepotistic practice by heads of court?

Let me reiterate here that within the profession family presence is not unusual; judges whose children are lawyers get a few pecks – they get to start off in a law firm of their choice, they have access to clients (not for their expertise most times but for who their parents, or uncle or brother or aunt etc are).

It is not unusual but it shouldn’t be obvious!

• Bayo Akinlade is a lawyer and Convener of Fight Against Corruption in the Judiciary (FIACJ) and Citizens Support for Lower Courts

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NEWS RELEASE

Tobenna Erojikwe, NBA-ICLE, Responds to Lawyers’ Concerns, Secures Free AI Training for Lawyers Aged Over 35 Years Old

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), led by Tobenna Erojikwe, has responded to concerns raised by lawyers by securing a new training opportunity for those aged 35 and above through its partnership with ALX and the Mastercard Foundation.

In late February, the NBA-ICLE announced a strategic alliance with ALX and the Mastercard Foundation to provide artificial intelligence (AI) and technology training for Nigerian lawyers. The initial phase offered a 6-week course for lawyers aged 34 and under, with each participant getting free training for a course that they ordinarily would have been charged $200 for.

However, the age restriction drew complaints from many lawyers who were ineligible but eager to take part in the AI and tech training. Demonstrating a listening approach, Erojikwe and the NBA-ICLE engaged with ALX to find an accommodation for the lawyers excluded due to the age criteria.

Their efforts paid off, as ALX has now agreed to facilitate a free 2-day training course specifically designed for lawyers over the age of 35. The training sessions will be held on Saturday, April 27th, from 12–2 p.m. and Sunday, April 28th, from 3-5 p.m.

Erojikwe, Chairman of the NBA-ICLE Board, expressed his commitment to addressing members’ concerns. “We are pleased that ALX has agreed to offer this specialised course to ensure no lawyer misses out on gaining valuable AI and technology skills,” he stated.

Lawyers interested in attending the free 2-day training can register by visiting bit.ly/ai-for-law. Further details are also available on the attached flyer circulated by the NBA-ICLE.

This expanded training initiative underscores the NBA-ICLE’s responsiveness to its members’ needs and its commitment to empowering legal professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and equipping them to navigate an increasingly tech-driven profession seamlessly.

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Reactions have continued to trail the N10 million bail granted socialite Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest after he pleaded not guilty to alleged naira abuse.

CITY LAWYER recalls that the famous socialite was today arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos. on three-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

After pleading “Not guilty” to the charge, the court granted him bail for N10 million with two sureties in like sum who must be gainfully employed with the federal or state government and not less than Grade Level 16.

Also known as the ‘Celebrity Barman,’ Okechukwu was alleged to have committed the offence on February 13, 2024 during a social event.

Reacting to the bail on his Instagram account, the socialite said that he is humbled by the show of love he has received so far. According to him, it is now established that he is a force to reckon with and not just a small person. He also stated that money is nothing to worry about as he has it in abundance like water.

Posting a picture of himself after the judgement, he captioned it thus: “Seeing all your messages and love, I’m so humbled. Now it’s confirmed, CP (Chief Priest) no small. Money na water.”

Reacting to his post via the comment section, musician Davido said it was not possible for Cubana Chief Priest to be jailed, stressing that he could not bear not seeing him for six months. He wrote, “I no go see u for 6 months ke… Never.”

On his part, popular entrepreneur, Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana, wrote: “This must be Abidoshaker you used!!🔥🔥😂🤣”

EFCC Prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo SAN had on April 4, 2024 filed charges against Okechukwu. Count One reads: “That you, Okechukwu Pascal on 13th Feb. 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

In count 2, it was alleged “That you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

Count 3 states that “you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.

Okechukwu’s arraignment comes barely days after EFCC arraigned controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, on similar charges for which he was sentenced to a six-month jail term.

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NEWS RELEASE

Grand Celebration Marks Charles Ajiboye’s 40th Birthday as Distinguished Legal luminaries, Captains of Industries, Government functionaries, Royalty gather.

In a spectacle of opulence and camaraderie, Charles Ajiboye, a renowned figure in legal circles and business celebrated his milestone 40th birthday in a grand style, attended by a constellation of luminaries from various sectors.

The lavish event held at the elegant Ball Room of the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The celebration commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, with Monsignor Paschal Nwazeapu as the Chief celebrant. Other officiating clergy members were Rev. Fr. Wisdom Chikezie, Rev. Fr. Joseph Anyanwu, Rev. Fr. Michael Ajiboye and Rev. Fr. Avoseh. The celebrant himself was the Lector at the celebration.

Guests thereafter moved to The Ballroom, Oriental Hotel for the 40th Birthday Ball. Some of the notable personalities present include Prince (Dr.) Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, OFR, mni (Former minister FRN and Chairman, MTN Foundation); Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri, OON (Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission); Mr. Tafa Aliu (Chairman, Ikoyi Club, 1938) who led the entire Executive Committee members of the Club; Mr. Bolaji Martins (Secretary Island Club, Lagos); Otunba Dr. Peter Obafemi, Engr. Ibikunle Ogunbayo (Chairman, KOA Consultants); Sir Eugene Nwaizugbe (Grand Knight, KSM), Mr. IK Omigie (GM, Legal NNPCL); Otunba Akin Oshunboye (Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Commission); Otunba Babajide Rogers (former Gulf Bank MD); Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN; Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN; Mr. Olumide Fusika, SAN; Mr. Sina Sofola, SAN; Hon. Justice Blessing Ajileye; Dapo Olanipekun, SAN; Dapo Akinosun, SAN; Mandy Asagba (3rd Vice President, NBA); Mr. Bamidele Ibironke, SAN; Mr. Adesina Adegbite (General Secretary, NBA); Habeeb Lawal (Publicity Secretary, NBA); Daniel Kip (Assistant General Secretary, NBA), Dr. Monday Ubani (SSA to the Senate President); Bisi Makanjuola, Chairman, NBA Lagos; Seyi Olawumi (Chairman, NBA Ikeja); Mr. Taiwo Ayedun (Chairman, Credit Registry); Mr. Olubisi Shaola (CEO, FinnGrey Construction); Mrs. Carol Ibharaneafe (President, African Women Lawyers Association, Nigeria); Mrs. Florence Atuluku, (President, National Association of Catholic Lawyers) and Sola Soyele of Channels TV among many others.

Distinguished speakers took turns to eulogize Ajiboye, highlighting his exemplary contributions to the legal profession, his remarkable achievements in business, and his impactful roles in humanitarian activities.

The presence of royalty added a touch of regal splendor to the occasion with the presence of HRH Oba Adedoyin Salisu (Oba Ijebu Isiwo) who graced the occasion with his wife, underscoring Ajiboye’s widespread influence and respect across diverse societal strata.

The celebration was further embellished with captivating musical and comic performances, sumptuous feasting, and convivial interactions, creating an ambiance of joy and conviviality that resonated throughout the event.

Later in the evening an energetic group of guests comprising ex-navy boys, young lawyers, youths of various bodies where Charles had served and those he served as Patron gathered for a White Gig. The electrifying All White Party lasted well after midnight. Guests were treated to memorable moments, reminiscing on shared experiences and forging new bonds of friendship and collaboration.

In his response, an overwhelmed Ajiboye expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who had graced the occasion, acknowledging the role of family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers in shaping his journey thus far. He pledged to redouble his efforts in service to humanity and to continue striving for excellence in all his endeavors.

The celebration of Charles Ajiboye’s 40th birthday will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to his sterling character, remarkable achievements, and the profound impact he has made in various spheres of society.

It was indeed a blast.

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NEWS RELEASE

Afam Osigwe, SAN Explores Ethical Dimensions of the Remuneration Order at NBA Uyo Branch Law Week

At the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association Uyo Branch Law Week, Afam Osigwe, SAN, took part as a discussant in the panel session focused on the critical theme: “Professional Conduct vis-a-vis the Remuneration Order.”

During the panel session, Osigwe delved into the ethical implications of the Remuneration Order for legal practitioners, emphasizing the importance of upholding professional standards while navigating issues related to compensation. The Remuneration Order governs the fees that legal practitioners can levy for their services, aiming to ensure fairness and transparency in billing practices.

Osigwe explored how adherence to the order intersects with broader ethical considerations, such as integrity, fairness, and client trust.

He also examined the impact of the Remuneration Order on the legal profession’s reputation and public perception, highlighting the importance of striking a balance between professional ethics and financial considerations.

By addressing these issues, Osigwe contributed to a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding professional conduct and remuneration within the legal profession.

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• ADVOCATES SHIFT TO NEW ADJUDICATORY MODEL

A retired High Court judge, Prof. (Justice) Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye has advocated a new approach to administering justice in Nigeria that departs from the current orthodox adversarial model to a modern approach rooted in transformative justice.

In a Keynote Address titled “Tomorrow’s Legal Profession Today: Today’s Legal Profession Tomorrow” delivered at the annual Law Week of the Warri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Justice Omolaye-Ajileye called for an approach that is collaborative between lawyers, parties and the court.

According to Justice Omolaye-Ajileye who now serves as a Visiting Professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), the new approach will isolate the real issue in dispute early enough in the proceedings for settlement where the role of a judge will be transformed from the traditional umpire to that of active case manager.

His words: “I want to comment on a change of culture we can bring about in the way justice is administered. Administration of justice must shift from the orthodox adversarial approach to more collaboration between lawyers, parties and the court with the focus being an earnest effort to isolate the real issues in a dispute from a maze of ill-digested causes of action and defences.

“The judge’s role must be transformed from the traditional umpire role to that of the active case manager. By this, I mean we must introduce in our Rules of Court situations where judges must take an active part together with learned counsel in identifying at an early stage of the proceedings what is the real dispute between the parties and, working together with the parties, charting a course that will result in the adjudication of the dispute as speedily as possible and at minimum costs.

“That is now the system of judicial case management that is taking hold in many jurisdictions across the world. We must move with the world in this regard. The days of over-pleading, raising as many issues that you can muster in the hope that one might just stick, should be something of the past.

“Courts should decide only the real disputes between the parties. In that way, the court’s time is saved, and judges can dispose of more cases. Litigation should be limited to what is truly in dispute between the parties and not to obfuscate and terrorize the other side.”

Click here to access the full text of the Keynote Address.

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• FALANA WADES IN, FILES AMICUS BRIEF

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned for judgment in the suit filed by a human rights activist and former Nigeria Bar Association Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olukunle Edun. The suit is Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun v. Governor of Delta State & Anor. Appeal No. SC/961/2019.

Edun is challenging the judgments of the lower courts which refused to hear on the merit the suit he filed challenging the constitutionality of some of provisions of the Pension Law of Governor of Delta State. The law was passed by the State House of Assembly awarding alleged bogus entitlements and benefits to former Governors and Deputy Governors of the State.

Among the entitlements set out in the controversial Pension Law are residential buildings, several vehicles to be renewed every 4 years, personal staff, security aides, and state-sponsored foreign vacations, all at the expense of the State.

Edun argues that the entitlements are not a product of assessment by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission as required by law.

Both the trial court and the Court of Appeal held that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to challenge the Pension Law of Delta State as unconstitutional and that the case would not therefore be determined on the merit.

At the hearing of the appeal by the Supreme Court, foremost human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN sought leave of the court to appear as an amicus curia and accordingly filed an amicus brief in the appeal. However, the appeal was heard only on the basis of the briefs filed by parties in the appeal.

Human rights watchers believe that the decision of the apex court on the vexed issue of locus standi in public interest litigation will be a watershed, noting that many courts still refuse to entertain public interest cases filed by human rights activists to challenge obnoxious laws and impunity among various government agencies and officials.

The judgment has been reserved by the Supreme Court for July 12, 2024.

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• HE DOES NOT CONSULT EXCO MEMBERS, IT’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL

• NOMINEES TO NBA ELECTION APPEAL COMMITTEE SHOULD REJECT IT

These are not the best of times for Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN as the NBA Second Vice President, Mr. Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo has again taken a swipe at him, accusing him of running a “dictatorship.”

In a post on his verified Facebook handle, Ugo alleged that Maikyau has never consulted the NBA National Executive Committee or tabled his nominations for sundry NBA committees before the committee.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Ugo had recently accused Maikyau of “Northernisation” of the venue NBA National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) meetings, noting that the meetings have held exclusively in the Northern zone during the almost tw0-year tenure of Maikyau notwithstanding its security challenges.

In the latest post, Ugo argues that this practice of not bringing nominees for NBA committees to the notice of the Executive Committee comprising National Officers verges on “dictatorship” aside from breaching the NBA Constitution.

Speaking on the recent appointment of NBA Electoral Appeal Committee members, Ugo wrote: “Let them know that accepting the position without proper thing to be done is indirectly supporting dictatorship in NBA.”

Continuing, he said: “Names of every committee ought to be brought before those elected by the association to appraise and approve same thereafter send to the NEC for ratification or take the appointment directly to NEC for nomination and appointment, what ever NEC is to be ratified ordinarily ought to have been appraised by the excos under emergency.

“It is even a convention, practiced by past presidents of the Bar to bring issues of concern to its excos for deliberation despite the president always will still have his ways but it makes sense to be a team player in the administration of the Bar.

“I sincerely wish to urge as well as plead with the appeal committee leadership and members solely selected, appointed, nominated and recommended by the president without the input of the national officers to reject same to set an example as good and loyal bar men.”

Below is the full text of the post as obtained by CITY LAWYER.

It is very unfortunate that senior members of the profession will be appointed by the president of NBA alone without the proper consultation and discussion by the national officers of NBA to occupy sensitive positions like appeal committee for the national officers election 2024, and they will gladly accept same.

Let it be known to the appeal committee led by one of the best Bar friendly and ever cheerful Bar man and a sui generis learned silk with his members and many other committees that their likely ratification by the NEC did not comply with the provision of section 9 sub 6 B of the 2015 NBA constitution as amended in 2021.

Let them know that accepting the position without proper thing to be done is indirectly supporting dictatorship in NBA.

Names of every committee ought to be brought before those elected by the association to appraise and approve same thereafter send to the NEC for ratification or take the appointment directly to NEC for nomination and appointment, what ever NEC is to be ratified ordinarily ought to have been appraised by the excos under emergency.

It is even a convention, practiced by past presidents of the Bar to bring issues of concern to its excos for deliberation despite the president always will still have his ways but it makes sense to be a team player in the administration of the Bar.

I sincerely wish to urge as well as plead with the appeal committee leadership and members solely selected, appointed, nominated and recommended by the president without the input of the national officers to reject same to set an example as good and loyal bar men.

The era of dictatorship in NBA should stop forthwith and my respected and distinguished NEC members made up of majorly branch chairmen and secretaries should request that The president of the Bar go back and do the needful so that the pride of the association and its brand name promoting the rule of law will be properly understood and assimilated.

This Bar is for all, our tenure ends in few months, let the correction and rule of law begins today.

#2ndvicepresidentnba
#democrat2030

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Anambra State Indigenous Lawyers Forum (ASILF) has called on the federal government to quickly look into the matter of property demolition in Abuja, noting that the way and manner some properties are destroyed is worrisome and has adverse effects on the economy.

The group at a press conference held in Lagos bemoaned the approach used by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike in some property demolition in the FCT.

Having deliberated over what they called violation of the judicial process, ASILF stated that some properties which were acquired legitimately by some individuals are being demolished, citing the case of Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, a businessman and property developer in Abuja whose properties worth millions of dollars were destroyed.

* A cross section of ASILF Executive Committee members after the Press Conference 

ASILF President, Mr. Joe Nwokedi, in a statement to the media, noted that the demolition of Ukachukwu’s property by Wike was against a pending court order, adding that the judicial process should have prevailed in that circumstance.

His words: “We call this press conference primarily to bring to public knowledge the illegality, intimidation and humiliation on some individuals going on in the country.

“When we began to see things like this happen, we presume that it is all that which is associated with the tensions generated by the last general election. Unfortunately, we also saw it transcend, culminating in the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike carrying out a demolition exercise on a lawfully acquired property of one Nicholas Ukachukwu in Abuja.

“To the best of our knowledge, there was a court order to stay execution. And the FCT Minister, being privy of that, stated that it was purchased. We believe that it is uncalled for, and could be termed as a gross violation of section 42 of chapter 4 of the Nigeria constitution as amended; which says that nobody should be discriminated upon by the virtue of his place of birth, religion, colour and tribe.”

Nwokedi stated that it was included in the constitution with the knowledge that Nigeria is an amalgamation of many entities, and therefore, people should be freely allowed to exercise their rights in the acquisition of property, religion, right of movement and other things within the territory that made up Nigeria.

He also stated that if there was an order of the court, all the Minister needed to do is to verify, adding that there are rules and processes to it.

“We want the federal government to intervene on the matter and as well, call the Honourable Minister to order,” said Nwokedi. “We believe that the best thing to do is to follow due process, go to court and get a valid order of demolition. If there is a contention, an arbiter should not be the decider of a matter. This is why we have that arm of government for proper resolution.

“We, the Anambra Indigenous Lawyers Forum urge him to rescind his actions and to correct the wrongs under which we will deem it necessary to join issues and go to court to challenge such anomalies.”

Also speaking, ASILF executive members consisting of Messrs Chuks Nnalugha and Anene Nwadukwe as well as Nkechi Iloegbunam and Malize Iwudoh unanimously lent their voices to what they call a ‘gross violation of the rule of law and court orders’ in the demolition of legally acquired properties under FCT and elsewhere in the country.

The group decried the alleged impunity, stating that private individuals who are helping to develop the country’s infrastructure should not be hounded like common criminals.

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NEWS RELEASE

NBA GWAGWALADA BRANCH PARTNERS NATIONAL HOSPITAL ABUJA TO PRESENT A MUST ATTEND WEBINAR ON MENTAL HEALTH.

In an unprecedented collaborative initiative to address the critical issue of mental health in the legal profession and in the society in generally, the Nigerian Bar Association, Gwagwalada Branch (Eagle Bar) in strategic partnership with the National Hospital, Abuja is proud to announce a transformative and compelling webinar titled “Developments in Mental Health Issues and Law in Nigeria”, with a special focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Legal Professionals in Nigeria.

Mental health is fundamental to individual, professional, organizational, and national well-being. The increasing number of reported and unreported mental health cases, even among legal professionals, has become a worrisome concern. The exacerbated challenges in recent times is majorly due to the psycho-social problems brought on by economic meltdown, political crises, unemployment, insecurity, and social unrest.

The predicament of people suffering mental health related issues is largely compounded owing to denials, mysteries, stigmatization, discrimination, and lack or improper appreciation of relevant law. Until January 2023 when former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Mental Health Bill into law, apart from the dynamic effort of Lagos State Government, Nigeria only had an obsolete law which dated to 1920 and reviewed in 1964.

The legal profession in Nigeria, much like in the larger society, is characterized by high levels of stress and pressure. The pressures associated with the demands of the legal profession can lead to a range of mental health issues, from anxiety, to burnout, and to more severe conditions. Recent revelations have shed light on the urgent need to address this issue head-on to ensure collective wellbeing, safety, and the sanctity.

This Webinar themed, ‘ Developments in Mental Health Issues and Law in Nigeria’ comes up online this Thursday 18th April, 2024 by 2:00pm via Zoom platform. It’s a free webinar, but immediate registration is strongly advised in order to reserve your participation, please click – https://www.bit.ly/EAGLEBAR.

The webinar will feature a distinguished panel of speakers who will share their insights and experiences. Speakers are Dr. Olusegun Shoyombo; Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, OFR; Dr. Tunde Ojo; Mr. Ededem Ani (AG Cross River; and Dr. Mojisola Akerele. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu C. Maikyau SAN, OON, and the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, are the Special Guests. The Moderator is the firebrand Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi. The Hosts are Prof. Mahmud Raji, CMD, National Hospital Abuja, and Emmanuel Tayo Ogunjide, Chairman NBA Gwagwalada Branch. See attached fliers for details.

This is a must-attend Webinar for Judicial Officers, Legal Practitioners, Law Students, stakeholders within the legal profession, and those in the larger society who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of mental health and how to navigate it in a high-pressured environment. Topics include: Mental Health & Society: Myths, Manifestations & Management; The Mental Health Act 2023: Overview, Prospects, Challenges, & Opportunities for Legal Practitioners; Analyzing Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Society; Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-Being in the Workplace; Law and Wellness: Navigating Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Legal Industry.

The National Hospital, a frontline healthcare provider and a flagship medical institution in Nigeria, is endowed with sophistication in human and material resources and dedicated to quality services towards the wellbeing and wellness of Nigerians. The NBA Gwagwalada Branch, on the other hand, is a vibrant high-flying Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, covering 4 Area Councils of the FCT, and highly committed to the promotion of the objectives of the Nigerian Bar Association towards better society. This webinar aims to break the silence on mental health and provide valuable insights into this often-overlooked issue, therefore, underscoring the commitment of both the National Hospital and the NBA Gwagwalada to the mental wellbeing of Nigerians.

Please join us for this pivotal event as we take the bold and best step towards a healthier, safer, and better life. To secure your spot in a very limited space, please register now by clicking – https://www.bit.ly/EAGLEBAR. For more information or inquiry, please call or send SMS to Mr. Hassan Luqman – +2347066573618 or Dr. Olusegun Shoyombo – +2348028155900.

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• ‘MY NEXT MOVE’ – BY ALIYU

Influential former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, Mr. Isah Abubakar Aliyu has set tongues wagging as to his next political move following his sensational withdrawal from the race for NBA General Secretary.

Abubakar had in a statement made available to CITY LAWYER informed the legal community of his withdrawal from the impending race, saying: “I seize this auspicious time to officially inform you about my withdrawal from the race for the position of the General Secretary of the NBA due to the fact that I will be few months short of the required 15 years post-call qualification requirement for the position at the close of nomination.”

Aliyu argued that “in computing post-call, the first year of call should be included. This is clearly supported by a Federal High Court decision. I was called on the 3rd of November, 2009. I have paid my practicing fees for 15 years twice. I paid Twenty-five Thousand Naira (25,000.00) in the year 2023 and 2024.”

He however admitted that his bid ran foul of the NBA Constitution, saying it was a “grave oversight on our part.” His words: “But, the amended 2021 Constitution of the NBA clearly provides that I will only become Fifteen years post-call at the anniversary of my call for the purposes of election. That was a grave oversight on our part and it is only honorable that we withdraw from this race having realized this.”

His withdrawal has thrown up all manner of permutations for the fierce race for the influential post of NBA General Secretary.

It is recalled that CITY LAWYER had in its Special Report identified Aliyu among the five aspirants gunning for the position. Aside from Aliyu, the four other aspirants who had expressed interest in the position as at late last year were Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara of Ilorin Branch; fiery incumbent NBA Treasurer, Caroline Ladidi Anze-Bishop of Bukuru Branch; former NBA Bwari Chairman, Mr. Abubakar Tsav, and Mr. Idris Doko of NBA Lagos Branch.

Speculations are rife that following his withdrawal, Aliyu may throw his weight behind one of the other aspirants. Some political watchers claim that some aspirants have been hobnobbing with Aliyu in order to be in his good books.

Giving vent to this thinking, a trending post, which came on the heels of Aliyu’s withdrawal from the race, however warned other aspirants not to misrepresent the former NBA Gwagwalada chairman, saying: “Truth is, our friend Aliyu, has not pledged support to any of the Prospective GS Candidates.”

Issued by an amorphous group called “CONCERNED FRIENDS OF Isah A. Aliyu,” they however assured that “In due time, he will speak and direct us, his loyal supporters, where to go!”

The full text of the post reads:

Isah Abubakar Aliyu is now, the golden bride!
Everyone is posting pictures they took with him on social media, with one aim in mind.
USE YOUR TONGUE TO COUNT YOUR TEETH.

We kindly call on Aliyu, to come out and…

Truth is, our friend Aliyu, has not pledged support to any of the Prospective GS Candidates.

In due time, he will speak and direct us, his loyal supporters, where to go!

Let pictures with innuendos and double padded adjectives deceive you not!

*CONCERNED FRIENDS OF Isah A. Aliyu.*

However, at least one of the leading aspirants for the General Secretary position (name withheld) did not let the post go unnoticed, saying: “@⁨(name withheld), I hope you are not carrying another person’s matter on your head while dragging your own behind….. Because I now begin to wonder when you have suddenly become a member of ‘Concerned Friends of Isah A. Aliyu.”

Speaking to CITY LAWYER, Aliyu however said he was not contemplating endorsing any of the aspirants for the post of General Secretary, saying: “Will it make any sense for me to endorse any aspirant? I don’t think so.” According to him, that role should be reserved for regional associations to which the posts have been zoned.

Continuing, he however said that he would “support” any aspirant whose manifesto appeals to him.

The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) will on Monday unveil the aspirants who have filed nominations for the forthcoming elections.

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• Appoint Mrs. Marilyn Okechukwu as Campaign DG

Following the release of Election Time Table for conduct of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Makurdi Branch General elections, friends of Mr. Kelvin Iorzenda of Elohim Chambers have picked the Nomination Form for him to contest the forthcoming Branch General Elections for the post of Branch Secretary.

Led by Chief John Tyoapine, the current Vice Chairman of the Branch and Mr. J. T. Damsa among several other reputable lawyers, the friends obtained the form at the office of Mr. Oche Obande of Ocha P. Ulegede & Co at exactly 1:30 pm on 9th April, 2024.

Immediately after the purchase of the form, Mrs. Marilyn Okechukwu was appointed as the Campaign Director General (DG) while Mr. James Ewureje is the Deputy Director General (DDG).

Speaking during a sit-out that followed purchase of the form, Mrs. Okechukwu and Mr. Ewureje extolled the virtues of the aspirant, noting that he has served the Makurdi Bar in various capacities and is now ripe to be the Chief Scribe of the Branch. The Director General promised to run an issue-based campaign without bitterness and rancour.

In his appreciation speech, Mr. Iorzenda expressed gratitude to all his friends and supporters for their show of love and encouraged them to be respectful to one another in their campaigns as they were first colleagues before being ‘Bar politicians.’

In their separate speeches, supporters at the event including Mrs. Awashima Addingi, a Director at the Ministry of Justice, Makurdi; Messrs Tsembelee Daniel Sorkaa, Gideon Dandi, Geoffrey Iorvenda, Moses Lubem Ukpo, Ferdinand Akwacha and several others promised to give their full support to Mr. Iorzenda. They prayed God to grant him his heart’s desires including resounding victory in the forthcoming Branch elections.

The NBA Makurdi Branch Election holds on 8th June, 2024.

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The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) ECNBA has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of an Election Service Provider (ESP) to the committee to provide the Electronic Voting platform to facilitate electronic voting at the 2024 NBA Elections.

Meanwhile, the committee has pegged 18th April, 2024 as the deadline for submission of bids while the successful bidder would be announced by 28th April, 2024.

CITY LAWYER recalls that former  Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu sensationally resigned from the 2022 electoral committee following prolonged delay in paying the balance of fees owed the erstwhile service provider.

In his resignation letter, he noted that while N18 million was contracted by the ECNBA for the 2022 voting service provider, “One year after the elections took place, we still owe the provider N5.4 million, representing 30% of the agreed sum.”

Click here to read the notice.

ECNBA NOTICE: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR ELECTION SERVICE PROVIDER

Distinguished Colleagues,

As you may already be aware, the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) is tasked with the mandate to conduct elections to the National Offices of the NBA and the NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar, and has fixed the 20th day of July 2024 for the said elections.

Towards this, the ECNBA has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of an Election Service Provider (ESP) to the ECNBA to provide the Electronic Voting platform to facilitate electronic voting at the NBA Elections in accordance with the NBA Constitution, throughout the electoral process and in respect of all post election activities as required by the ECNBA.

The RFP is to be submitted to the Secretary of the ECNBA not later than the 18th day of April 2024.

The submission guidelines and other requirements are contained in the ECNBA Notice herewith attached.

Thank you, and do have a restful holiday.

Akorede Habeeb Lawal
National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked as false, news making the rounds that one of its prosecutors was offered a bribe over the Malabu OPL 245 fraud case leading to the dismissal of the charges against a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke and others.

The anti-corruption agency however disclosed that it has commenced a review of developments around the Malabu OPL 245 fraud case, including the dismissal of the charges against Bello Adoke and others by a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting at Abuja.

The review, the EFCC hinted, will entail exploration of the option of appeal and possible change of counsel in view of the Commission’s dissatisfaction with the handling of the case by its counsel, Mr. Offem Uket.

Speaking on the alleged bribing of its official, the EFCC said its intention to review or appeal the case “has no nexus whatsoever to the spew of speculations imputing compromise by parties to the charge, currently making the rounds in some sections of the media.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that after the decision of the Abuja High Court upholding the no-case submission of the defendants in the criminal case, an online news outfit had reported that the EFCC accused its prosecutor of compromise by prominent lawyers connected to the case.

In denying the narrative of compromise, the anti-corruption agency said that the “EFCC is not obliged to embrace such narratives as it neither accused any of the parties of any unsavoury conduct nor made any conclusive statements about any investigation on the matter.”

The agency also dubbed allegations of compromise as “effusions of mischief makers” and urged the general public to await its next line of action.

The clarification by the anti-graft agency was made through a statement issued recently.

Below is the full text of the statement.

EFCC’S POSITION ON MALABU OIL FRAUD CASE AND ASSOCIATED ISSUES

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has commenced a review of developments around the Malabu OPL 245 fraud case, including the dismissal of the charges against a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja and the conduct of the prosecuting counsel, Offem Uket.

The review will entail exploration of the option of appeal and possible change of counsel in view of the Commission’s dissatisfaction with the handling of the case by Uket.

Nevertheless, this intention has no nexus whatsoever to the spew of speculations imputing compromise by parties to the charge, currently making the rounds in some sections of the media .

EFCC is not obliged to embrace such narratives as it neither accused any of the parties of any unsavoury conduct nor made any conclusive statements about any investigation on the matter.

The public is enjoined to ignore effusions of mischief makers on the matter and await the next course of actions.

Media & Publicity
April 5, 2024

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WE HAVE LOST A TOWERING FIGURE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION

I am saddened by the demise of the late Justice Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore, JCA (Rtd). His passing has left a void in our hearts and in the legal fraternity that will be deeply felt for years to come.

Justice Belgore was not merely a legal luminary; he was a towering figure whose contributions to the legal profession and the community at large were nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to the pursuit of justice, his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, and his profound impact on the lives of countless individuals are a testament to his exceptional character and unparalleled integrity.

As a former justice of the court of appeal, Justice Belgore’s judgments were marked by wisdom, fairness, and a keen sense of justice. His rulings reflected a deep understanding of the law and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that justice was served. Throughout his illustrious career, he upheld the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, peers, and the public alike.

Beyond his contributions to the legal profession, Justice Belgore was also a dedicated community leader who selflessly served the people of Ilorin and beyond. His advocacy for social justice, his efforts to empower the disadvantaged, and his unwavering support for the rule of law endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In his passing, we have not only lost a legal giant but also a mentor, a friend, and a role model. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal practitioners to strive for excellence, to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, and to serve their communities with integrity and compassion.

I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Justice Ahmad Olanrewaju Belgore, the Ilorin Emirate, the bar, and the bench. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN

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The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has warned supporters of aspirants in the forthcoming NBA Elections to steer clear of the nomination opening ceremony on Monday.

In a notice obtained by CITY LAWYER, the committee wrote: “Please note that no candidate is expected to come to the venue or to this event with any supporters. We trust all prospective candidates shall adhere strictly to this.”

It noted that the committee was entering another phase of the electoral process, assuring that it is committed to “transparency, integrity and fairness of the NBA elections.”

Below is the full text of the notice.

2024 Elections: ECNBA invites prospective Candidates to attend opening of Nominations, Bars Supporters

The ECNBA is pleased to invite all prospective candidates who submitted nomination forms for the NBA 2024 Elections, to attend the opening of nominations ceremony either by themselves or nominate a representative to attend on their behalf.

The opening of nominations ceremony marks the commencement of the next stage of prospective candidates’ engagement with the election process and provides an opportunity for candidates or their representatives to formally witness the opening of the nomination envelopes of respective candidates.

We recognize the importance of transparency in the electoral process, and therefore, encourage all prospective candidates to either attend alone, or nominate one representative to attend this significant event on their behalf.

Please note that no candidate is expected to come to the venue or to this event with any supporters. We trust all prospective candidates shall adhere strictly to this.

Details of the opening of nominations ceremony are as follows:

Date: Monday, 15th April 2024

Time: 11:00 am

Location: ECNBA Secretariat, NBA Human Rights Institute Building, No. 9 Oro Ago Crescent Garki, Abuja

The participation of prospective candidates at this ceremony is highly appreciated in furtherance of the transparency, integrity and fairness of the NBA elections.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to welcoming all prospective candidates.

Yours Sincerely,

OLUSEUN ABIMBOLA SAN
Chairman

HUWAILA IBRAHIM
Secretary

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Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court has adjourned to April 29 the arraignment of two lawyers, Ademola Owolabi, the managing partner of Ademola Adetokunbo & Co., and Adebayo Akeju, a partner in a law firm called Adon Partners, Lagos, as well as a real estate developer, Alex Ochonogor.

Ochonogor is the owner and managing director of Bluecrest Homes Limited where Owolabi is also the company secretary. The adjournment followed the absence of the suspects and their counsel in court on Monday, when the matter first came before justice Sonaike.

The suspects are facing a five-count charge of conspiracy to commit forgery, forgery, and willful damage to property pressed against them by the Lagos State government in suit marked LD/23611C/2024.

When the matter was called on Monday, the Director of Public Prosecution at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr. Babajide Martins told the court that Akeju has been served with the charge, adding that the other two are evading service.

He said: “I know that they are aware of the matter today because they are sending emissaries to me. I will ask for adjournment. If they refuse to come at the next adjourned date, we will apply for substituted service,” Martins told the court, while pleading for an adjournment.

The trial judge consented to the plea and adjourned the matter to April 29 for arraignment.

Count one of the charge reads: “Conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: Forgery contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law,Ch.C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

“Particulars of offence: Ademola Owolabi (M), Adebayo Akeju (M), Alex Ochonogor (M) and others (now at large) sometimes in year 2015 at B604, Safe court Apartments, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos State in the Lagos Judicial Division conspired among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Forgery.”

In count 2, they were charged with forgery contrary to Section 365 (1) of the Criminal Law, Ch. C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The charge reads: “Ademola Owolabi (M), Adebayo Akeju (M), Alex Ochonogor (M) and others (now at large) sometimes in year 2015 at B604, Safe court Apartments, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos State in the Lagos Judicial Division with intent that it be acted upon as genuine did forge an affidavit of loss of certificate of occupancy purportedly sworn at the Registry of Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Lagos State on 23rd day of September, 2014 to falsely indicate that the original of Certificate of Occupancy Number 36/36/1994W issued to one Hamza Al- Mustapha got missing.”

Also, contrary to Section 365 (1) of the Criminal Law, Ch.C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, the suspects were accused of forging a Demolition Notice Number 0000025 titled “Audit of Illegal structures within Government Schemes Acquisition and Revocation Areas” purportedly issued by the Governor’s Office, Lands Bureau, Directorate of Land Regularisation, Secretariat, Alausa with the intent for it to be acted upon.

They were also accused of procuring a forged Memorandum of Loss of Certificate of Occupancy purportedly dated September 25, 2014 to falsely indicate that original of Certificate of Occupancy Number 36/36/1994W issued to one Hamza Al-Mustapha Certificate got missing as well as willfully and unlawfully destroying a bungalow located on Plot 10, Block 133, Lekki Peninsular Residential Scheme 1, Lagos State, property of one Dr. Obidigwe Eze, who resides abroad.

Owolabi and Akeju were alleged to have aided Ochonogor, a businessman, in dispossessing one Dr. Eze of his property known as Plot 10, Block 133, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme 1, Lagos State.

USP Communications Limited sold the land to Dr. Eze in May 12, 2005, where he erected a bungalow and has been in peaceful possession.

Upon alleged invasion of the property by the accused persons, the Police waded in and investigated the root of their title.

The investigation revealed that Owolabi and Akeju had allegedly forged series of documents to establish that the property still belonged to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who was the original allottee, but had since sold the property in 2002 to Continental Properties, who in turn sold it to USP Communications.

Relying on the premise of alleged missing title documents to the land, Akeju allegedly approached Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, while still in prison, on the basis of assisting him in facilitating the sale of the property to Ochonogor, who had indicated interest in purchasing the land and allegedly provided funding for all the false documentation, forgeries and demolition of Eze’s home.

Al-Mustapha reportedly informed Akeju that he had sold a property in that location, instructing him to confirm from his lawyer, Abdulfatai Thomas to ensure that the property is not the same that he had sold. The suspect allegedly did not contact Thomas as instructed. He instead allegedly proceeded to concoct documents, demolished Eze’s home and sold the land to Ochonogor, who immediately began construction against a court injunction to stop work.

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WEMA Bank found itself on the wrong side of about 7 Nigerian laws in 2023, paying penalties totalling N61.350 million in one year.

This was revealed in the bank’s full-year 2023 financial statement which showed that the lender contravened a cybersecurity law, a section of the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) circulars on Know Your Customers, among others.

On the cybersecurity framework contravention, Wema Bank received a fine of N2 million, but the lender was fined N20 million for breaching Section 19(3A) of BOFIA, 2020.

Also, Wema Bank was made to pay N17.45 million for violating the CBN circulars on KYC. The bank further paid a fine of N10 million for the late rendition of final returns. The CBN circulars on KYC were targeted at reducing money laundering and other forms of financial crimes.

“There is no doubt that having sufficient information about your customer and making use of that information is the most effective weapon against being used to launder the proceeds of crime. In addition to minimizing the risk of being used for illicit activities, it provides protection against fraud, reputational and financial risks and enables individual financial institutions to recognize suspicious activities,” the CBN says in its KYC Manual.

Similarly, the bank paid a penalty of N8 million for Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) breaches. The lender was likewise penalised for a regulatory breach on the CBN clearance, paying a fine of N2 million for the contravention.

For the late filing of its 2022 audited financial statements with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the tier-2 lender was fined N1.9 million.

Fraud and burglary are still big risks for the bank, which lost N256.387 million to them in 2023. However, this was far lower than N880.154 million lost by the bank in fraud and burglary cases in the corresponding period of 2022.

This would mean that the bank took some measures to tackle fraud and theft in 2023, said a credit risk analyst, Mr. Osai Djemba.

Djemba explained that the bank “must introduce artificial intelligence measures to reduce its exposure to theft to the barest minimum,” arguing that “sophisticated thieves and several criminals have infiltrated the Nigerian financial system to steal, kill and destroy.”

Wema Bank left 9,974 complaints unresolved by December 2023. This is lower than 13,642 unresolved complaints reported in the corresponding period of 2022.

Various customers with these complaints demanded N10.843 billion from the lender over the issues. The bank, however, refunded N11.258 billion to customers (apart from the N10.843 billion), the financial statement said.

“As a result of the initiatives stated earlier, the Bank successfully reduced the average time taken to resolve customer complaints by 60% compared to 2022, and the resolution rate increased from 93% to 98% demonstrating our commitment to improving the experience of our customers consistently and efficiently,” the bank noted.

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A retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ahmad Olarewaju Belgore, is dead.

A family source said the highly respected jurist died on Tuesday night at his residence in Ilorin after breaking his Ramadan fast.

Justice Belgore retired as Appeal Court Justice on 18th April 2023 on attainment of the age of 70.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has described the demise of Justice Ahmad Olarenwaju Belgore (rtd) as a big loss to the Ilorin Emirate and nation at large.

While reacting to the unfortunate incidence as contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir said, “This is a great and colossal loss that has befallen then Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.”

“Inna ilaihi waina ilaehi raji’un, it is with shock that I received the news of the demise of Justice Ahmad Belgore. He was a complete gentleman, a thorough judicial officer who served the nation meritoriously in various capacities, nationally and internationally.

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EID MUBARAK!

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close and the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr is upon us, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to Muslim Ummah around the world.

May this blessed celebration, marking the end of a month of spiritual renewal bring you and your loved ones abundant peace, happiness, and prosperity.

TOBENNA EROJIKWE
Chairman, Governing Board of NBA-ICLE

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EID-EL-FITR: NBA FELICITATES MUSLIMS

On this occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, the President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the NBA, felicitates the Muslim Ummah, particularly Muslim lawyers and members of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN).

Signifying the conclusion of the Ramadan fasting, this Eid is an instructive celebration, and the Ramadan teachings of perseverance, discipline, generosity, sacrifice, piety and humility should not be lost on us all even after Ramadan.

May these virtues make us better individuals, conscietious professionals, and more patriotic citizens, as we contribute our quota to making Nigeria a more prosperous and peaceful nation.

Eid Mubarak!

Akorede Habeeb Lawal
National Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association

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Dear colleagues,

May this Eid ul-fitri bring you and your loved ones abundant joy, peace, and blessings. As you celebrate the end of Ramadan, may your hearts be filled with gratitude and your homes be adorned with happiness. May the Almighty accept all your acts of worship.

Eid Mubarak to you and your family!

Afam Osigwe, SAN
Life Bencher/Past General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association

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Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has given Chief Eric Umeofia, the Chief Executive Officer of Erisco Foods Limited 14 days to retract and apologise to him for the alleged defamatory statement against his person.

Effiong in a statement issued on Monday, said that in the pre-action notice his counsel, Femi Falana served Chief Umeofia and his company, he is demanding N100 million in damages with an apology letter which must be published in two national newspapers, while insisting that his demands must be complied with within the 14-days or he would commence legal case against the Erisco boss.

He said, “During his (Chief Umeofia) interview with Television Continental (TVC) on October 2, 2023, Chief Eric Umeofia, the President/CEO of Erisco Foods Limited while speaking on the ongoing case between Erisco Foods Limited and Mrs. Chioma Okoli, made a damaging, audacious and utterly libellous claim that my client dropped her previous lawyer who accompanied her to the Force Headquarters in Abuja and went to Lagos to hire “a fake lawyer, a charge and bail lawyer to deceive her.”

He explained that the video of the interview where the claims were made was advertised on the Facebook page of Erisco Foods Limited and viewed by a “large number of people”.

“Chief Umeofia knew exactly who he was referring to since my engagement and representation of Chioma was already a matter of public knowledge.

“My attention has repeatedly been drawn by my clients, colleagues, associates, and members of the public to the malicious claims made against me by Umeofia. Those who have confronted me over these claims were taken aback by Umeofia’s bold assertion that they have been dealing with an imposter who has been falsely masquerading himself as a lawyer all these years.

“These claims have caused me prolonged emotional stress and deep anxiety. I have lost professional engagements and financial opportunities because of these claims.

“I have practiced law in Nigeria for the past ten years; having been duly called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. My name is on the Roll of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria and can be easily verified.”

He added that Chief Umeofia’s claim that “I am a fake lawyer who was out to deceive my client is dangerous and intended to destroy my career which I have laboured to build for a decade.

“His claim that I am a charge and bail lawyer is also malicious and defamatory. The courts have ruled in previous cases that referring to any lawyer as “charge and bail” is defamatory and actionable.

“Based on the foregoing, I have briefed my counsel, the foremost human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN to take legal action on my behalf against Eric Umeofia and Erisco Foods Limited over the said obnoxious and destructive claims.

“In a demand letter served on Erisco Foods Limited on Monday, April 8, 2024, Falana SAN has demanded a written apology from the company and its CEO, which must be published in at least two national newspapers, a full retraction of the defamatory statements and the sum of N100 Million as damages which they must comply with within 14 days.”

According to SAHARA REPORTERS, he, however, vowed that this was only the beginning of his legal actions against Umeofia and Erisco Foods.

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The simmering face-off between Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deepened over the weekend with the fiery human rights activist scoffing threats by the commission to take legal action against him.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Odinaklu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), had blasted EFCC for the arrest of controversial cross-dress Idris Okuneye, otherwise called Bobrisky, describing the anti-graft agency as “idle.”

Peeved by the criticism, the anti-graft agency had issued an elaborate statement blasting the leading human rights advocate.

But in series of tweets on his verified “X” handle, the defiant senior lawyer wrote: “Just to prove that all they are involved in at the @officialEFCC is idle abuse of power, here they go…. These folks are so predictable.

“I said the @officialEFCC were shameless, idle & involved in manifest #AbuseOfPower. They promptly prove me right!

“It is now self evident that @officialEFCC is a shameless, #IdleAndDisorderly institution whose sole preoccupation is #AbuseOfPower. This is beyond unfortunate but entirely predictable.

“It is just so tragically unfortunate that they consider it their statutory duty at the EFCC to be fiddling while the country burns. If that is not idle abuse of power, I don’t know what is,” Odinkalu stated in his response.”

In the statement signed by EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the apparently embittered anti-graft agency warned Odinkalu to desist from criticising the agency warned that “The Commission would not hesitate to take appropriate legal actions against such uncouth commentaries against its lawful mandate by anyone.”

The full statement of the commission reads: 

Chidi Odinkalu’s Reckless Commentaries on EFCC

“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some reckless commentaries made by a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu  on the arrest of Idris Okuneye(a.k.a Bobrisky) by the Commission, describing it as evidence of idleness or an abuse of power .

“The Commission views such commentaries from Odinkalu as unbecoming of a former head of a major government agency.  Okuneye was arrested and arraigned by the Commission on the basis of clear cases of abuse of the Naira to which he has pleaded guilty.

“Odinkalu has a right to free speech as a Nigerian but such a right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility. The Commission would not hesitate to take appropriate legal actions against such uncouth commentaries against its lawful mandate by anyone.

“Odinkalu is warned and advised to ventilate his rascally opinions more responsibly in future situations.”

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed April 9, 2024, to sentence controversial cross-dresser and social media celebrity, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro reserved the date for his judgment after Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of Naira abuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge ordered that the convict be remanded in EFCC custody pending sentence.

The court called the case at exactly 11:55 am with Mr. Sulaiman Sulaiman announcing appearance for the EFCC while Mr. Ayo Olumofin represented the defendant. Justice Awogboro then directed Bobrisky to unveil his face which was covered with a black hijab. He complied.

The EFCC had filed a 6-count charge against Bobrisky. The first 4 counts of the charge bordered on abuse of the Naira while the last two counts border on alleged money laundering.

But before the charge was read to the defendant, the EFCC prosecutor, Sulaiman asked the court to strike out counts five and six.

He said: “We have an agreement with the defendant which will lead us to withdraw counts 5 and 6. In the circumstance, we’re humbly urging the court to strike out counts 5 and 6, leaving counts 1 to 4 alive”.

Justice Awogboro granted his request and subsequently struck out the two counts and ordered that the four-count charge be read to the defendant. Bobrisky pleaded guilty to each of the four counts. When the registrar asked if he understood the charge that was read to him, he said: ” Yes, I am guilty”.

The EFCC prosecutor then proceeded to review the facts of the case. He called an EFCC Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Bolaji Temitope, as his witness. Prompted by the prosecution, the witness explained how he came to know Bobrisky.

Temitope said: “The EFCC received intelligence of individuals who are in the habit of spraying Naira during parties in Lagos. Base on this, the EFCC sent out an operation team to monitor and observe the activities of individuals who are in the habit of doing so.

“We usually visit event centres and monitor social media pages to determine where the Naira is being abused. During the exercise we came across videos on social media where the defendant was seen abusing the Naira. Our team then proceeded to view the video and burn same on CD.

“Consequently, an invitation letter was forwarded to the defendant. When he honoured the invitation. The defendant was shown a video where he was spraying money on Segun Johnson. He confirmed that he was the one in the video.

“An event at the Island Circle Mall was also shown to the defendant. A total of 400k was spent. The defendant was also shown another video in Aja Junction, Ikorodu and an event centre at Ikeja. He admitted spraying money in all the videos. He then offered his statement in writing.”

The prosecutor then tendered the statement and videos. There was no objection from the defence team. The court admitted them as exhibits and marked them Exhibits 1 and 2 respectively.

“That is the case of the prosecution and we pray the defendant be convicted as charged, my lord,” the prosecutor told the judge. In a bench ruling, Justice Awogboro held: “The defendant is convicted as charged”.

But Bobrisky pleaded for mercy, saying he was not aware of the law on abusing the Naira. The judge then told him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse, to which Bobrisky replied: “I know, my lord.”

He further said to the judge: “My lord, I wish that you can give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money. I am a social media influencer with over five million followers. I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money. I will not repeat it again, my lord. I regret my actions, my lord. I’m a first-time offender.”

His lawyer added that he had turned a new leaf and urged the judge to grant Bobrisky a non-custodial sentence and an option of a fine.

Justice Awogboro has adjourned sentencing till April 9.

CHANNELS TV reports that with the conviction, Bobrisky could either serve six months in prison, pay a fine of N50,000 or both.

Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007 states that “a person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable for imprisonment for a term not less that six months or to a fine not less that N50,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

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Chukwuka Ikwuazom led NBA-SARC Constitutes Litigation Assistance Team to Support Lawyers Victimised by Security Agencies

At its meeting on 21 March 2024, the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC) led by Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, constituted a Litigation Assistance and Advisory Team which has been mandated to provide vital litigation support and representation to legal practitioners who are victimised by security agencies and desire to seek redress.

The primary objective of the Team is to provide pro-bono services to members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) who wish to file legal actions against security agencies to seek redress for assault and other forms of unlawful treatment.

The newly formed Litigation Assistance and Advisory Team comprises seasoned legal practitioners who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. Mr. Ikenna Okoli, SAN, has been appointed as the Chair, with Mr. Yakubu A. H. Ruba, SAN, serving as the alternate Chair. Other members of the team are Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN (Chair, NBA-SARC), Mr. Yakubu Moses Ede, Sani Maisamari, Dr. Nnaemeka Otagburuagu, Collins Osagu, Al-Bashir Lawal Likko, Iliyasu Suleiman Barde, Sarah Okikiola Babalola, and Marcel Unimke Akamabe.

The establishment of this team underscores NBA-SARC’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of legal practitioners and promoting accountability by security agencies. By offering pro-bono legal services, the Team aims to empower lawyers to seek redress and hold security agencies accountable for any infringements they may have experienced in the hands of security personnel while discharging their professional duties.

This initiative represents a significant milestone in NBA-SARC’s ongoing efforts to create a conducive environment for legal practitioners in Nigeria, enabling them to fulfill their professional obligations to their clients without harassment or interference.

Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, Chairman of NBA-SARC, has emphasized the importance of this initiative in protecting the interests of legal practitioners and upholding the rule of law. With the establishment of the Litigation Assistance and Advisory Team, NBA-SARC reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights and interests of lawyers nationwide.

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FIDA Uyo advocates for the establishment of mother -baby units within Correctional Centres.

The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Akwa Ibom, Uyo Branch is saddened at the overstretched facilities at the Medium Custodial Centre, Uyo currently housing One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifteen Inmates as against the Six Hundred and Thirteen capacity.

FIDA Uyo Branch led by her Chairperson, Iquo Abia Esq, during a visit on Female Inmates on Thursday 4th April, 2024 pledged to set up intervention measures within their capabilities, including provision of legal representations, recommendations to relevant government agencies for parole, especially for expectant mothers and infant bearing mothers. In addition, FIDA is pressing for non-custodial sentences for misdemeanours.

Above all, FIDA Uyo is also advocating for the speedy establishment of Mother-Baby Unit and special centres for children within custodial centres.

The Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr. Julius Ezugwu, represented by the Assistant Controller Mr. Festus Akpan while appreciating the team for the visit responded that there is provision for Mother-Baby Unit in the Correctional Act which is awaiting implementation.

Mr. Festus Akpan also hinted on the imminent visit by the Board on Prerogative of Mercy to the facility and hoped that some inmates would be considered for parole. He disclosed that inmates awaiting trial constituted about seventy percent of the population and therefore appealed to FIDA to assist in ensuring speedy trial.

FIDA Uyo Branch embarked on the visit in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN and Youth Alive Foundation which featured health and mental well-being session, legal clinic and pep-talk by a former inmate. Basic items were also donated.

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A leading aspirant for the position of Nigerian Bar Associaiton (NBA), Port Harcourt chairman, Mrs. Cordelia Eke has finally thrown her hat into the ring by picking nomination form for the forthcoming election.

In a statement obtained by CITY LAWYER, the ranking Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice wrote: “I have now picked up Electoral nomination forms for the office of Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, and have thus ceased all consultations on my intention.”

The Bar Leader also disowned any campaigns on her behalf until the ban is lifted, saying: “In the light of the above, no sticker with my photograph or other publication on my intention should be posted on any social media platform or regular print media.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

DISCLAIMER

Distinguished Colleagues, I would like to express my profound appreciation and gratitude to you all for your kind words, prayers, advice, and other feedback during my consultations in the past few months. kindly take notice that at the end of the consultations, I have now picked up Electoral nomination forms for the office of Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, and have thus ceased all consultations on my intention.

In the light of the above, no sticker with my photograph or other publication on my intention should be posted on any social media platform or regular print media. I, therefore, withdraw my consent on any such publication in this regard. I shall not be held liable for any publication or enlightenment purportedly done on my behalf, as anyone who does so would be doing that on his or her own accord.

I remain grateful to all my well wishers and team members for their encouragement and support and pledge to abide by directives from the ELECO in line with the Uniform Bye-Laws. Thank you, and God bless.

Dated this 5th Day of April 2024.
Signed

Cordelia U. Eke (Mrs.)

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NBA-ICLE Mentorship Scheme Takes Major Leap Forward: 700 Mentees Selected and Competency Framework Unveiled

The highly anticipated NBA-ICLE Career Development Mentorship Scheme has reached a significant milestone with the selection of 700 mentees and the launch of a comprehensive Competency Framework. This groundbreaking initiative, aimed at fostering professional growth and excellence within the Nigerian legal profession, has garnered widespread enthusiasm and participation from members across the country.

Following an overwhelming response to the call for applications, the NBA-ICLE has meticulously reviewed and selected 700 outstanding legal professionals to embark on this transformative mentorship journey. These mentees, hailing from diverse backgrounds and areas of practice, will have the unique opportunity to learn from and engage with esteemed subject-matter experts who have been carefully chosen as mentors.

In a strategic move to ensure the programme’s effectiveness and structured approach, the NBA-ICLE has unveiled a robust Competency Framework. This comprehensive framework outlines the essential skills, knowledge, and attributes required for success in the legal profession, serving as a guiding compass for the mentorship programme’s curriculum and focus areas.

The Competency Framework encompasses a wide range of core competencies, including legal knowledge, analytical and problem-solving abilities, communication and advocacy skills, ethical and professional conduct, business and practice management acumen, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

By aligning the mentorship programme with this Competency Framework, the NBA-ICLE aims to equip mentees with the necessary tools and insights to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, enhance their professional capabilities, and ultimately elevate the standard of legal service delivery in Nigeria.

Emails have been sent to the selected 700 mentees, providing them with detailed information about next steps. The mentorship journey is poised to commence imminently, marking the beginning of a transformative experience for both mentees and mentors alike.

“The overwhelming response and the launch of the Competency Framework reinforce our commitment to empowering legal professionals and driving positive change within our profession,” said Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the NBA-ICLE. “We are confident that this mentorship scheme will not only nurture the growth of individual participants but also contribute to the overall advancement of the legal service delivery landscape in Nigeria.”

As the NBA-ICLE Mentorship Scheme gains momentum, the Nigerian legal community eagerly anticipates the positive impact it will have on the professional development of its members and the elevation of the legal profession’s standards and practices.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, over abuse of naira, spraying of naira notes and currency mutilation.

Bobrisky, who has been embroiled in several controversies over the past weeks, was arrested in Lagos on Wednesday night, and has since been detained at the Lagos Command of the EFCC.

Confirming the development to PUNCH correspondent in a telephone interview today, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale noted that Bobrisky would be charged to court.

Oyewale said, “Bobrisky is with us. He was arrested last night in Lagos, and he is at our Lagos command. We arrested him for alleged abuse of naira notes, spraying of nara notes, and currency mutilation, among others.

“We are very serious about restoring the dignity of the naira. Though our investigation is still ongoing, but he will definitely be charged to court soon.”

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Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyetidawa, has said the news making the rounds about the governor rejecting the 273 aides appointed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, was a figment of the imagination of the writer.

In a statement, Adeniyan clarified that the information used did not emanate from him but a fabrication concocted by the newspaper reporter who has already apologized and promised a retraction.

He further explained that the 273 aides, who are mostly notable Senior Advocates of Nigeria and renowned, were appointed as honorary advisers to assist the commissioner in promoting various reforms in the judiciary in Ondo State, adding that they were not expected to receive any financial remuneration or employment advantages from the Ondo State government.

The statement in details:

RE: AIYEDATIWA DISOWNS 273 AIDES APPOINTED BY COMMISSIONER

My attention has been drawn to a news story with the above headline published in The Nation newspaper and reproduced by some online media outlets on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

The line credited to me in the story to the effect that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa did not approve the appointment of aides made by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, was a fabrication of the author of the story.

That statement did not emanate from me and the author of the original story has since admitted his error, apologised and promised to do a retraction.

For clarification, the Attorney General only appointed those lawyers, including some notable Senior Advocates of Nigeria, as honorary advisers to assist him in promoting various reforms in the judiciary in Ondo State.

The said lawyers are not expected to receive any financial remuneration or employment advantages from the Ondo State government.

Most of the lawyers who have been appointed are renowned, trusted and experienced lawyers and jurists who have willingly decided to contribute their services to Ondo State as a gesture of goodwill.

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Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aguata Branch, Mr. Sabastine Anyia has been selected as one of the speakers for the forthcoming NBA Young Lawyers Forum (YLF), Aba Branch 2024 Summit.

Anyia, the former Chairman of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA branches in Anambra State, is billed to dissect the topic, “Leveraging on Technological Advancements in Building a Sustainable Legal Practice.”

Giving insight into what may have persuaded the organisers to choose Anyia as a speaker, a former NBA Aguata Branch Chairman, Mr. Clifford Iloegbune Okoye wrote: “Sabastine Ubua Anyia Esq is an active barman. He served NBA Aguata Branch in different capacity. Not minding that he hails from Boki in Cross River State, he came to Anambra State and became a free mixer. He participated so well in NBA affairs in Anambra State so much that he was honoured by the members of Aguata Bar with the award of ‘Foot Soldier of the Bar’ and many other awards.

“S U Anyia Esq became the branch chairman and within 24 months, he was able to raise funds to complete the NBA Aguata Branch Bar Centre and named it after His Excellency Dr. Alex Ekwueme. The bar centre was magnificently built, commissioned, and part of it commercialized for the benefit of the Bar.

“S U Anyia Esq., apart from the Bar Centre, moved the Bar to produce the first-ever Bar Journal called ‘Frontline Bar Journal.’

“Sabastine Ubua Anyia Esq is a mobilizer. Within the 24 months of his administration as the Chairman NBA Aguata Branch, he worked assiduously to introduce the first-ever Bar and Bench Forum in Anambra State. This forum provides opportunity for the bar and the bench in the State to interact in a free atmosphere and ideas are exchanged to reposition the Bar and the Bench for better.”

The NBA YLF Aba Summit has increasingly become a popular feature in NBA’s annual calendar. This year’s summit will hold at Emman Akwiwu (SAN) Bar Centre, Aba, Abia State on 25th and 26th April, 2024.

The theme of the summit is “INNOVATIVE LEGAL MINDSET: BREAKING MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BARRIERS.”

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The recent threat by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to sanction participants who breach NBA Election guidelines goes against the NBA Constitution, a Vice President of the association has said.

In a post on Facebook in response to a CITY LAWYER report on the matter, NBA Second Vice President, Mr. Chukwuemeka Clement Ugo stated that the committee lacked the power to sanction aspirants, arguing that only candidates come under the purview of the committee.

The outspoken Bar Leader who is popularly known as “Democrat” hinted that such sanctions may be challenged, saying that “It is a wrong and unconstitutional threat and ECNBA should be able to understand that all of us are lawyers first before NBA politicians.”

He added that “it is unconstitutional and a damage control that will not control the expensive nature of NBA elections, as they (aspirants) have violated same and spent heavily in printing hard copy campaign materials for their supporters.”

He noted that “such guidelines should be imbedded in our constitution from the word go” by replacing the word ‘candidates’ with ‘aspirants,’ adding that “I will so praise the chairman if he can muster courage to disqualify one presidential aspirant.”

The ECNBA had warned aspirants against embarking on campaigns and “campaign visit under any guise,” noting that it would disqualify any candidate found culpable.

In a notice made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee wrote: “Until the ECNBA declares campaigns open and set out the limited scope of such a campaign as provided in our Constitution, and relevant guidelines, no prospective candidate nor his/her supporters shall post, issue, print, publish, or display any campaign material, nor embark upon a campaign visit under any guise. Where evidence of such infraction is provided to the ECNBA, such a candidate shall be disqualified forthwith and shall not participate in the elections.”

Below is the full text of Ugo’s statement.

I still maintain that it is not proper to sanction an aspirant that is not a candidate yet.

Does it mean ECNBA is overruling the constitution of NBA?

Their guideline is good – no doubt about that – to control the flooding of chats and others as well as reduce the expensive nature of the campaign.

There is no presidential aspirant that does not spend above (N)5m per week. This is not healthy, and that is why some winners do not perform.

But it is unconstitutional and a damage control that will not control the expensive nature of NBA elections, as they have violated same and spent heavily in printing hard copy campaign materials for their supporters.

Such guideline should be imbedded in our constitution from the word go by replacing the word “candidates” with “aspirants” .

What it means is that if an opponent reposts another opponent’s outlawed hard copy campaign materials today, ECNBA will disqualify the said candidate?

It is a wrong and unconstitutional threat and ECNBA should be able to understand that all of us are lawyers first before NBA politicians.

I want to see this ECNBA disqualify one person on this, because many of them have violated (the) same (guideline). I will so praise the chairman if he can muster courage to disqualify one presidential aspirant.

I am waiting to know if the micro-zoning in the constitution will be adhered to!

May they perform without fear, but may they utilize wisdom in service.

#democrat2030

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Adherence to Notice No: 5 of the ECNBA dated April 5th, 2024.

To All Concerned Parties,

I, MohammedI. TSAV Esq., an aspiring candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] 2024 Elections, do hereby unequivocally state that I am wholly committed to adhere to the directives of the ECNBA.

The ECNBA is the regulatory committee for the forthcoming 2024 NBA Elections has banned all forms of campaigning activities by aspirants and their various supporters.

I appeal to all my supporters to kindly desist from any campaign activities in my name and on my behalf, such as posting campaign materials or publications or any form of campaigning.

I have not consented nor authorised any campaigning in my name or on my behalf in breach of the ECNBA directives.

As an aspiring candidate, I and my supporters must adhere to the rule of law for a free and fair electoral process. Thank you.

Mohammed I. TSAV Esq.
Chairman-Emeritus,
NBA Bwari Branch.

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DISCLAIMER!

Dear colleagues,

Following the notice issued by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association dated 1st April 2024, we affirm that our esteemed leader, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, has not authorized any form of campaign activities, directly or indirectly, for the forthcoming NBA elections.

We urge all our dear colleagues and supporters to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the ECNBA, which prohibit any form of campaigning until officially authorized. Any actions taken in contravention of these rules not only jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process but also jeopardize our collective efforts.

Let us demonstrate our commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency by respecting the guidelines laid out by the ECNBA.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Best regards,
Friends of Afam Osigwe, SAN

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Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Obollo-Afor Branch, Dr. Gerald Abonyi has urged lawyers to abide by the electoral guidelines issued by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).

In a statement obtained by CITY LAWYER, the Bar Leader noted that he has “pursuant to a recent Notice from ECNBA banning campaigns until otherwise lifted, since prohibited all forms of campaign.”

The Committee had warned aspirants against embarking on campaigns and “campaign visit under any guise,” noting that it would disqualify any candidate found culpable.

In a notice made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee wrote: “Until the ECNBA declares campaigns open and set out the limited scope of such a campaign as provided in our Constitution, and relevant guidelines, no prospective candidate nor his/her supporters shall post, issue, print, publish, or display any campaign material, nor embark upon a campaign visit under any guise. Where evidence of such infraction is provided to the ECNBA, such a candidate shall be disqualified forthwith and shall not participate in the elections.”

IMPORTANT NOTICE

I, Dr. Gerald Abonyi, aspiring for National Office of the NBA, have pursuant to a recent Notice from ECNBA banning campaigns until otherwise lifted since prohibited all forms of campaign.

My Friends, Colleagues and Supporters should ensure that they abide by ECNBA Directives.

Dr. Gerald Abonyi.

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Some aspirants for the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2024 Elections or their proxies have issued disclaimers to stave off any sanctions that may be imposed by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) in the aftermath of its warning against electoral campaigns and visits.

CITY LAWYER investigation showed that the aspirants and their proxies flooded several social media platforms with the disclaimers, warning that they should not be held liable for any infraction of the latest ECNBA Notice.

The Committee had warned aspirants against embarking on campaigns and “campaign visit under any guise,” noting that it would disqualify any candidate found culpable.

In a notice made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee wrote: “Until the ECNBA declares campaigns open and set out the limited scope of such a campaign as provided in our Constitution, and relevant guidelines, no prospective candidate nor his/her supporters shall post, issue, print, publish, or display any campaign material, nor embark upon a campaign visit under any guise. Where evidence of such infraction is provided to the ECNBA, such a candidate shall be disqualified forthwith and shall not participate in the elections.”

Below are some of the disclaimers obtained by CITY LAWYER.

DISCLAIMER!

Dear colleagues,

Following the notice issued by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association dated 1st April 2024, we affirm that our esteemed leader, Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, has not authorized any form of campaign activities, directly or indirectly, for the forthcoming NBA elections.

We urge all our dear colleagues and supporters to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the ECNBA, which prohibit any form of campaigning until officially authorized. Any actions taken in contravention of these rules not only jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process but also jeopardize our collective efforts.

Let us demonstrate our commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency by respecting the guidelines laid out by the ECNBA.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Best regards,
Friends of Afam Osigwe, SAN

DISCLAIMER

Pursuant to the NBA ECNBA 2024 notice No. 5, that reiterates the BAN on campaigns pending the lifting of same as provided for in the NBA Constitution and the Guidelines, Dr. Promise W. Iwezor JP. wishes to advice friends, supporters, and well wishers to abide strictly to the said Notice as issued by the ECNBA.

For the records, any publication henceforth bearing and or suggesting the solicitation of votes with respect to NBA Elections 2024 till the ban is lifted, does not have the approval and consent of Dr. Promise W. Iwezor JP. and the maker or author of such does so at his or her peril.

Dated 1st April 2024.
Signed by
Justice E. Chigonu Esq. DRS, CGAN
For and on behalf of Dr. Promise W. Iwezor JP.

DISCLAIMER! DISCLAIMER!! DISCLAIMER!!!

May I respectfully call the attention of my colleagues, friends and well wishers to Article 5 of the ECNBA Notice banning all forms of campaigns.

As dedicated and law abiding citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I urge us all to abide and respect the spirit of the Law in Article 5.

I, as a person solemnly swear not to depart from the said provisions of Article 5.

I therefore state unequivocally that nobody should send any article, publish any message using my name or on my behalf.

This has become necessary to avoid being dragged down by any person (s) or authorities.

Remain blessed and organized even as we focus on the big task ahead.

S.U ANYIA ESQ

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Gentlemen, l bring greetings to you and all yours in this season of Easter. I pray Almighty and Eternal God to meet you at the point of your needs.

In view of the very recent development from ECNBA vide the publication of ECNBA NOTICE NO 5 banning all forms of campaign, l urge all dedicated, law abiding and responsible supporters and well wishers of His Excellency , Soseipiriye Long Williams, Esq. to cease forthwith from posting of any form of sensitisation materials or articles regarding his aspiration in the forthcoming NBA Elections.

As law abiding and responsible members of the NBA, we shall lead the pack by showing leadership and good example by adhering strictly to the said notice.

In due course, further directives will be issued on the way forward as events unfolds. In the spirit of sportsmanship, lets play inline with the rules of the game.

God bless you all as you continue to enjoy the Easter break.

Dr. Peter Ayogu
(Chief of General Staff, to His Excellency, Soseipiriye Long Williams Esq)

DISCLAIMER 

TAKE NOTICE, that pursuant to the ECNBA NOTICE NO 5, and Electoral guidelines of the ECNBA of NBA. our own Oaikhena Osagie KSP, do hereby unequivocally State as follows;

(1)That he has not authorized anybody, individual, howsoever called or described to issue any statement, publication, hashtag, any image on any social and print Media platform, suggesting campaigns in the name of Oaikhena Osagie KSP.

(2). That anybody who does the above is on a frolic on his or her own and does so without consent of Oaikhena Osagie KSP. Let this notice serve as a notice to the whole world.

SIGN:

(Comrade) Henry Osayande Bazuaye,
(Comrade) Adedayo Adeshiela,
(Comrade) Ephraim Adedoyin
(For and on Behalf of Oaikhena Osagie KSP)

DISCLAIMER!!! ⚠️

I, FELIX CHUKWUMA ASHIMOLE, Esq., co-publisher of www.kubwaexpress.com, after carefully going through ECNBA NOTICE NO 5, hereby unequivocally state that:

I will abide by the warning, advice and directive contained in the said Notice.

I have not and will not authorise any body, individual or body corporate to issue any statement, publication, hashtag or use my image as emoji in any WhatsApp group.

I have not given or authorised any body, individual or corporate to place any good will message for me in any Law Week Magazine of any branch.

Nobody should hashtag any publication with my name or mention the world PUBLICITY in the same sentence with my name or image!

Any person doing so, is STRICTLY on his or her own and would be adjudged as my enemy, working with 5th columnists to get ECNBA to slam its harm on me!

It has become important that I issue the above, as I know how mischievous, treacherous and PHD (Pull Him Down) tactics that can be deployed in politics.

Gentlemen and Ladies,

This is to further inform every friend, colleague and well wisher of Auta Nyada Esq of the need to adhere strictly to the directives of ECNBA. We appreciate your support and assurances to him in the course of his consultation. At the appropriate time, we will love to hear from you loud and clear. But for now, let us abide by the ECNBA’s instructions.
Thank you and God bless.

– AUTA NYADA

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On Lagos State Judiciary Charging for Virtual Hearing Services and the Bail Information Management Services (BIMS)

By Bayo Akinlade 

VIRTUAL HEARINGS
We have had enough time to make virtual hearings the norm while physical appearances in open court should have taken a back seat.

In light of the current power supply issues bedeviling the Judiciary in Lagos State, the high cost of fuel and food prices, and the recent measures taken by the Lagos State Government requiring civil servants to only come to work 3 to 4 times a week, one would think that the managers of the Justice Sector would be more innovative in their approach to issues of great importance such as the economic conditions of citizens

With Lagos State Judges and Magistrates facing inadequate court rooms where some can’t sit for more than 3 days a week or work for more than 5 hours a day due to the lack of electricity supply, one would think that VIRTUAL HEARINGS would be a viable, less expensive, effective and efficient alternative but unfortunately, our colleagues on the BENCH have weaponized the very thing that would have put less burden on our judges, lawyers and litigants.

I have observed the Virtual Hearing infrastructure and services of the Lagos State Judiciary for some time now and I can only wonder: who in the world are the Judiciary taking advice from, because we know that the Judiciary within its ranks have very little internal expertise regarding technology to be able to counter any external suggestions that may be self-serving and that may not meet the ends of justice the citizens are hoping for.

I will not say more on this but it is clear that the Judiciary has only put a prize tag on virtual hearings but has not shown any capacity to make it efficient, effective and sustainable.

ON BIMS
Here again the Judiciary has placed an extra prize tag on another essential aspect of justice delivery.

Aside from all the bottlenecks of bail perfection such as requirements to pay taxes, surety approval system, arraignments and remand proceedings all of which are currently administered ineffectively, causing defendants to spend days in correctional facilities, our Judiciary has added another burden through the requirements for BIMS.

It seems that the Nigerian people have no reprieve from all their sufferings and the Judiciary is no longer the LAST HOPE OF THE COMMON MAN.

The Bar should not be silent on this. Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Lagos State should take up this challenge and show citizens why they deserve the rank/title and stand up for the common man. The Attorney General of Lagos State should intervene (seeing that government doesn’t pay for services offered by the Judiciary). The Judiciary is accountable to the people, it should be transparent with its dealings; it’s the 3rd arm of government whose income is derived from the sweat of citizens and our collective resources.

• Akinlade is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Ikorodu Branch

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The Nigeria Law Society (NLS) FCT Chapter congratulates Chief Audu Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN on his appointment as a Bencher of the prestigious Body of Benchers

The FCT Chapter of the NLS has extended their warm congratulations to Chief Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN on his appointment as a Bencher of the Body of Benchers.

In a congratulatory letter signed by the Chapter Chairman and Secretary – Jephthah Tukura, Esq. and Atna Kayembo, Esq. – the FCT Chapter of the NLS extols Chief Nunghe’s exemplary leadership, exceptional legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice.

According to the Chapter, the appointment not only reflects Learned Silk’s achievements but underscores his influence within the legal family.

The Chapter added that they do not doubt that Chief Audu will enrich the deliberations of the Body of Benchers with his wisdom and leadership.

It is instructive to add that the Learned Silk, Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN is a Trustee of the NLS.

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NBA-ICLE Forges Groundbreaking Partnership with Olaniwun Ajayi LP to Build Legal Knowledge Repository

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) has forged a pioneering partnership with Olaniwun Ajayi LP, one of Nigeria’s foremost law firms, to develop a centralised digital repository for legal resources. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to democratise access to vital knowledge within Nigeria’s legal community.

The announcement was made via an email circulated by Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the Governing Board of the NBA-ICLE, who expressed his delight at this strategic collaboration. “On behalf of the President of the NBA and the Board of the NBA-ICLE, I am delighted to announce that the NBA-ICLE has entered into a strategic partnership with Olaniwun Ajayi LP for the building and maintenance of a central repository of all NBA-ICLE materials, whether virtual or print,” Erojikwe stated.

This fully accessible database, slated for launch in the second or third quarter of 2024, will be a game-changer for Nigerian lawyers seeking to enhance their professional development and stay abreast of the latest legal developments. Erojikwe emphasised the repository’s significance, noting, “The repository will be a fully accessible database that will be open to all members of the NBA for use at no cost.”

Underscoring Olaniwun Ajayi LP’s commitment to this groundbreaking initiative, the firm has generously covered the entire platform development costs. Wolemi Esan, Deputy Managing Partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, expressed his firm’s enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Olaniwun Ajayi LP is happy to cover the platform development costs as part of our commitment to supporting the NBA-ICLE. Leading the ICLE’s faculty for the finance training reinforced my desire to democratise knowledge. This is a responsibility that we owe those following in our footsteps.”

The NBA-ICLE has long been at the forefront of providing high-quality continuing legal education to Nigerian lawyers, ensuring they remain well-informed and equipped to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. With this new digital repository, the institute aims to take its mission to new heights, enabling seamless access to a wealth of resources, including virtual and print materials.

In an era where knowledge is power, this partnership between the NBA-ICLE and Olaniwun Ajayi LP represents a significant stride towards levelling the playing field for legal professionals across Nigeria. By removing barriers to access and fostering a culture of continuous learning, this initiative has the potential to elevate the legal profession and ultimately benefit the Nigerian public by promoting a more knowledgeable and competent Bar.

As the legal community eagerly awaits the launch of this groundbreaking repository, the NBA-ICLE and Olaniwun Ajayi LP have set a shining example of how strategic collaborations can drive progress and empower professionals with the tools they need to excel.

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