Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN, NNOM, CON), Nigeria’s pre-eminent constitutional lawyer, is dead.  He was aged 94 years.

The passing of the legal giant occurred the same day as his protégé and former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief George Uwechue (SAN, FNIALS).

A statement by the family made available to CITY LAWYER reads: “With great sadness, we announce the passing on of our patriarch, Professor B. O. Nwabueze SAN, NNOM, CON, pioneer Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Oduah Afo-na-Isagba of Atani, Anambra State, on Sunday October 29, 2023 age 94. He lived an exemplary life of consequence.

His academic pursuit started at the CMS Central School Atani, from 1938 – 1945; C.M.S Central School, Onitsha (formerly, African College), 1947 – 1950. He later went to London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, 1956 – 1961 and School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1961 – 1962. From 1962 – 1965, he was Senior Lecturer at Holborn College of Law, London, and Senior Lecturer, University of Nigeria Nsukka, between 1967 – 1970. In 1971, he was Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Zambia and Director, Law practice Institute, Zambia, 1973 – 1975.

Although, well supported by both father and uncle initially, the greater part of his Academic pursuits abroad were made possible by scholarship awarded to him for his academic excellence.

Prof. Nwabueze earned his Doctor of Laws (LL.D) at the University of London in 1978, based on his three outstanding books – Constitutionalism, Presidentialism, and Judicialism, thus entering the record books as the second (since the death of Dr. T.O. Elias), the only Nigerian and African holder of a higher doctorate degree in Law by published works. He is also the first academic lawyer to be made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1978 strictly on the basis of his published works.

A seasoned Academician, he was member of Senate of the Universities of Lagos, Dar-es-salaam, Nairobi, Haile Selassie in Ethiopia, Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland between 1971 – 1978.

He was appointed the University Assessor for Academic Appointments, Universities of Ghana, Lagos, Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and Jos between 1978 – 1979.

A firm believer in publishing, Prof. Ben Nwabueze is the proud author of over thirty books and treatises with an average extent of 400 pages. They include; The Machinery of Justice in Nigeria; Constitutional Law of the Nigerian Republic; Nigerian Land Law and Constitutionalism in the Emergent States. Others are Presidentialism in Commonwealth Africa, Judicialism in Commonwealth Africa; The Presidential Constitution of Nigeria; A Constitutional History of Nigeria; Federalism in Nigeria under the Presidential Constitution; and Nigeria’s Second Experiment in constitutional Democracy in Africa in Five Volumes.

He has written over 200 articles in academic journals and more than 100 keynotes at local and international Conferences.

He is a household name in the Legal Profession and hardly, any other author is as frequently quoted in court judgements as Ben Nwabueze. Although, well known for his teaching, research and writing; Nwabueze continued to participate in University administration.

This erudite Professor was appointed to Professorial Chairs in the following Universities; Zambia, 1970 – 75; Ahmadu Bello university, Zaria, 1974; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1975 – 76; Anambra State University of Technology; Nnamdi Azikiwe university, Awka 1989 – 1983 (visiting).

Prof. Ben Nwabueze is also a strong advocate for the Igbo cause. He, alongside other prominent Igbo sons like Akanu Ibiam, M.I. Okpara, K.O. Mbadiwe, Chief Ugochukwu, P.N. Okigbo and Udoji, co-founded Ohaneze Ndigbo in 1976. He served as Secretary – General, between 1978 to 2004, in which capacity he transformed the body into a formidable, highly regarded non-partisan Pan Igbo pressure group.

The recipient of several Chieftaincy titles, and The Nigerian Order of Merit (NNOM).

Prof. Ben Nwabueze is truly an academic giant in every sense of the term. Probably, more than any other Nigerian has, through his numerous books and articles contributed towards the application of constitutional law and the broader process of governance in Nigeria.

Indeed, the Nigerian Constitutional Evolution and the evolution of the entire legal system of Nigeria would not be complete without the invaluable contribution of this noble Patriot. It is therefore in recognition of his immense contribution to the advancement of the Nigerian Legal System, particularly in the areas of Academics and publication.

In recognition of his immense contribution to the advancement of the Nigerian Legal System, particularly in the areas of Academics and Publication, Hallmarks of Labour Foundation called on Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a Great Nigerian to join the league of other worthy Patriots of Hallmarks of Labour Role Model (HLR).

Prof. Nwabueze SAN would celebrate his 90th Birthday on Monday, March 22, 2021.

(Edited by DNL, 22 March, 2021)

A former Chairman of Nigeria’s Body of Benchers, Chief George Uwechue (SAN, FNIALS) is dead.

Impeccable sources told CITY LAWYER that Chief Uwechue died yesterday afternoon after a courageous battle with an ailment.

A highly decorated and much-loved senior lawyer known for his candour and integrity, Uwechue is also a longstanding traditional Prime Minister (Owelle) of Ogwashi Uku, Delta State.

He attended the Middle Temple, Inns of Court School of Law, London between 1961 and 1965 and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1966 after attending the Nigerian Law School (the last set to undertake the 3-months programme). He has been a lawyer for nearly 60 years.

Born George Nwokocha-Ona Uwechue, the legal luminary was once described by the pre-eminent constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN NNOM) as a leading jurist whose brilliance shone early in life. Speaking in Lagos at the launch of a collection of essays (Law in Motion: Nurturing Democracy and Development – Essays in Honour of Chief George Uwechue (SAN), Nwabueze recalled that Uwechue was one of the first set of students he taught at the University of London in the 1960s, saying: “Something that marked George out – I hope I can say this without causing offence to his classmates – he was simply the best! It is not surprising to me that he distinguished himself in the legal profession.”

Elevated to the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1993, Uwechue has been a member of the Inner Bar for 30 unbroken years. Appointed a Member of the Body of Benchers in 1990, he has been a Life Bencher since 1998.

The senior lawyer was elected Chairman of the Body of Benchers in 2010 and elected a member of the Elders Committee of the Body of Benchers in 2011. It is believed that the “Elders Committee” was his brainchild, being a vehicle for resolving thorny issues affecting leading members of the legal profession.

Aside from leading the legal profession as Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Uwechue also had the uncommon distinction of leading Nigeria’s House of Representatives, having been elected as Speaker (Pro Tempore) on February 23, 1983.

CITY LAWYER recalls that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had felicitated with Uwechue on his 82nd birthday in 2020, describing him as a legal luminary “whose antecedents continue to inspire many in nation-building, particularly in law, leadership and development issues.”

He described Uwechue as a statesman “who in spite of his national and global achievements, has steadily remained relevant in community development, setting up structures and creating opportunities for others to rise in life.” He also commended Uwechue for his contributions to national development through legal practice and law-making, having gained prominence as a two-term member of the House of Representatives and Speaker pro tempore.

Below is an exclusive profile of the deceased legal giant fondly called “OWELLE THE LAW” made available to CITY LAWYER.

BRIEF PROFILE Of OWELLE GEORGE UWECHUE (SAN) FNIALS

1. Name in Full: GEORGE NWOKOCHA-ONA UWECHUE

2. Home Place: Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South, Delta State

3. Religion: Christian (Catholic)

4. School, Colleges/Institutions attended with dates

(i) St. Peter’s School, Ogwashi-Uku 1943-47

(ii) St. Thomas’ School, Kano 1948-51

(iii) St. John’s College (now Rimi College) Kaduna 1952-57

(iv) Middle Temple, Inns of Court School of Law,
London 1961-65

(v) North-Western Polytechnic, London 1961-62

(vi) The London School of Economics and Political
Science (University of London) 1962-65

(vii) The Nigerian Law School, September to December 1965
(The last three months set)

5) Professional Appointments

(i) LL.B 2nd class Hons (London) 1965

(ii) Called to the Bar 1966

(iii) Appointed Notary Pubic 1975
(iv) Moderator (External examiner) in Commercial Law,
Nigerian Law School 1975-79
(v) Appointed Member Body of Benchers 1990

(vi) Elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria 1993

(vii) Appointed Member of the Rules of Court Advisory
Committee of the Supreme Court, by Bello, CJN 1995

(viii) Re-Appointed by Uwais, CJN 1996

(ix) Appointed Life Member, Body of Benchers 1998

(x) Conferred with Fellowship, Nigerian Institute
of Advanced Legal Studies on 31st May, 2006

(xi) Elected Vice-Chairman, Body of Benchers 2009

(xii) Elected Chairman, Body of Benchers 2010

(xiii) Elected Member, Elders Committee, 2011
Body of Benchers

(xiv) Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the
Body of Benchers in recognition of his Selfless
Service as Chairman Body of Benchers, 2010 2019

6. Political Experience

(i) Elected into the House of Representatives of Nigeria. 1979

(ii) Deputy Leader, Nigerian Peoples Party
Parliamentary Forum. to

(iii) Chairman, Committee on Public Petitions and Member Committee
on Judiciary 1983

(iv) Elected Speaker (Pro Tempore) House of Representatives.
On 23rd February 1983

(v) Led the Nigerian Parliamentary Delegation to the U.K.,
United States and Canada in 1980.

(vi) As Leader of the Nigerian Parliamentary Delegation to the
United Nations Parliamentary Forum of “Speakers” in New York in
September/October 1981, chaired one of the three sessions as Speaker.

(vii) Re-Elected to the House of Representatives on the platform of National Party of Nigeria (NPN) September to December 1983

(viii) Member, Committee on Petroleum and Energy, House of
Representatives October-December, 1983, when the military
intervention terminated the Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s administration

7. Few Monographs/Papers

(i) Legal Monographs on Immigration Act, 1963, Exchange Control Act, 1962, Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decrees, 1972, 1974, Industrial Inspectorate Decree 1970, Securities, & Exchange Commission Decrees, 1979, 1988.

(ii) The Role of Public Petitions in the Legislative Process (a pamphlet delivered at the Inaugural Session of the Committee on Public Petitions, House of Representatives in the 3rd Republic on 5th August, 1993)

(iii) Redress of Grievances through legislative petitions Committees and other Non-Judicial Processes – presented at the 1982 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Journal.

(iv) Original and Appellate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (Published in “JURISPRUDENCE OF JURISDICTION”, 2005).

(v) Annual Lectures on Criminal and Civil Appeals Procedure to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos (2000-2011).

(vi) A Vibrant Judiciary, Veritable Agent for Enduring Democracy in Nigeria delivered as guest speaker at the 2nd Anthony Cardinal Okojie Annual Lecture, 2009.

(vii) A summary of corrupt practices and money laundering laws in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

(viii) The Law on International Carriage by Air (Judicial Interpretation and Application and Brief Review of Other Related legislations in Nigeria) August, 2005.

8. Few other Awards

(i) An award of Excellence by the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association to mark his appointment as Chairman, Body of Benchers.

(ii) An award of Excellence by His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Okojie, Archbishop, Metropolitan See of Lagos, 2009

(iii) Diamond Jubilee Merit Award from the Old Boys’ Association of Rimi (St John’s) College, Kaduna, 2009 and a second merit award by the Principal, the students and Old boys of the College (of which he was Senior Prefect in 1957) to mark his appointment as Chairman, Body of Benchers in 2010

(iv) An award of Excellence by the Lagos branch of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers in 2010

(v) An award of Excellence from the Asaba Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, 2010

(vi) Recognition by the Ogwashi-Uku Development Union (ODU) Lagos in 1994, to mark his elevation as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1993

9. Law in Motion

In November 2013, 35 Professors of law, published “LAW IN MOTION, NURTURING DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT, Essays in Honour of Chief George Uwechue (SAN, FNIALS) (The Owelle of Ogwashi-Uku), Edited by Prof. M.O.U. Gasiokwu”.

10. Honour by Home State – Delta State Government

The Delta State Government honoured him by naming the street beside the new General Hospital, Phase IV, Core Area Asaba: “Hon. George Uwechue (SAN) Street”, in recognition of his achievements in politics and the legal profession.

11. Traditional Title

Honoured with the title Owelle Osowa-Anya of Ogwashi-Uku 1984; the greeting: Owelle -The Law

12. Family

Widower to late Barrister (Mrs.) Justina Uwechue (Nee Osaka), with six children, namely: Barr (Mrs.) Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, Barr. (Mrs) Ifeoma Uwechue-Wachuku, Barr. George Uwechue (Jr), Mrs. Nwamaka Omole, Mr. Kwentor Uwechue and Dr. (Mrs.) Gabriella Nwobu. Blessed with fourteen grand-children.

Hon. Chief George Uwechue (SAN) FNIALS, C of E

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The retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad has revealed that the Chief Registrar of the court earns more than justices of the apex court, describing the situation as “unjust and embarrassing.”

Speaking at a valedictory session organized in his honour by the Supreme Court, Justice Muhammad also decried the exclusion of the South East and North Central from the apex court bench by the non-replacement of retired or deceased jurists.

He noted that while the Judiciary budget has increased over the years, service delivery continues to decline.

His words: “It may interest one to know that the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court earns more than the Justices. While she earns N1.2m per month, justices take home N751, 000 in a month.

“The CJN on his part takes home N400, 000 plus. The salary of a Justice, curiously, drops rather than increases when he gets the added responsibility of being a CJN.

“That the unjust and embarrassing salary difference between the justices and the Chief Registrar still abides remains intriguing to say the least.”

He noted that it was allegations of corruption and perversion of justice that informed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to order the invasion of homes and arrest of some judges in 2016.

“Not done, in 2019 the government accosted, arrested and arraigned the incumbent Chief Justice before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged underhand conduct.

“With his retirement apparently negotiated, he was eventually left off the hook.

“In 2022, a letter signed by all other justices of the Supreme Court, including the current Chief Justice, the aggrieved protested against the shabby treatment meted to them by the head of court and the Chief Registrar.

“In the event, his lordship Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad disengaged ostensibly on grounds of ill-health.

“My lords, distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen, it is obvious that the judiciary I am exiting from is far from the one I voluntarily joined and desired to serve and be identified with. The institution has become something else,” Justice Muhammad lamented.

On funding and independence of the Judiciary, the retiring justice bemoaned that though the budgetary allocation for the Judiciary increased from 70 billion that it was in 2015 to 165 billion presently, “Justices and officers welfare and the quality of service the judiciary render have continued to decline.”

Justice Muhammad, who spent over 40 years in active judicial service, bowed out of the apex court bench on Friday, having clocked the 70 years mandatory retirement age.

He used the opportunity of a valedictory session that was organised in his honour by the Supreme Court, to address what he observed as rot in the judiciary that have continued to affect the justice delivery system in the country.

“Through the years, I rose to become the second most senior justice of the country’s apex court and Deputy Chairperson of the National Judicial Council.

“Considering the number of years I have spent in judicial service and the position I have attained by the grace of the Almighty, I feel obligated to continue the struggle for reforms for a better Judiciary and would be leaning on the earlier submissions of those who had exited before me,” Justice Muhammad stated.

He maintained that the judiciary, as presently structured, gave so much power to the CJN who he said usually take decisions without consulting other justices.

“As presently structured, the CJN is Chairman of the NJC which oversees both the appointment and discipline of judges, he is equally Chair of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) that appoints Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“In my considered opinion, the oversight functions of these bodies should not rest on an individual alone. A person with absolute powers, it is said, corrupts easily and absolutely.

“As Chair of NJC, FJSC, NJI and LPPC, appointments as council, board and committee members are at his pleasure. He neither confers with fellow justices nor seek their counsel or input on any matter related to these bodies. He has both the final and the only say.

“The CJN has power to appoint 80 percent of members of the council and 60 percent of members of FJSC. The same applies to NJI and LPPC.

“Such enormous powers are effortlessly abused. This needs to change. Continued denial of the existence of this threatening anomaly weakens effective judicial oversight in the country,” he added.

On the current composition of the bench of the apex court, Justice Muhammad alleged that the refusal to fill the vacant slot of South East on the apex court bench, was deliberate, blaming it on “absolute powers vested in the office of the CJN.”

He further stressed that with his retirement, the North Central zone which he represented, would no longer have a Justice on the Supreme Court bench.

“My lord Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko JSC who also represented the zone retired on 23rd of May, 2022. It has been a year and five months now. There has not been any replacement.

“With the passing of my lord, Hon. Justice Chima Centus Nweze, JSC on 29th July 2023, the South East no longer has any presence at the Supreme Court. My lord, Hon. Justice Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta JSV died on 7th March 2021. There has not been any appointment in his stead for the South East.

“As it stands, only four geo-political regions- the South-West, South-South, North-West and North-East are represented in the Supreme Court.

“While the South-South and North-East have two serving justices, the North-West and South-West are fully represented with three each.

“Appropriate steps could have been taken since to fill outstanding vacancies in the apex court. Why have these steps not been timeously taken?

“It is evident that the decision not to fill the vacancies in the court is deliberate. It is all about the absolute powers vested in the office of the CJN and the responsible exercise of same,” the retiring jurist added.

On the issue of membership of the panel that heard the presidential election appeals by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, Justice Muhammad, said:

“To ensure justice and transparency in presidential appeals from the lower court, all geo-political zones are required to participate in the hearing.

“It is therefore dangerous for democracy and equity for two entire regions to be left out in the decisions that will affect the generality of Nigerians.

“This is not what our laws envisage. Although it can be posited that no one expected the sudden passing of Hon. Justice Nweze JSC, yet, it has been two years and seven months since previous justice from South-East died and no appointment was made.”

Meanwhile, earlier in the ceremony, the CJN, in his speech, paid glowing tribute to the retiring jurist who he described as a “quintessential Judicial icon with dazzling qualities and alluring stature.”

“His Lordship is one judicial officer that could be blunt, even to a fault; and is never known to be afraid to say things the way they are; and also never shies away from calling a spade by its name, irrespective of whose ox is gored,” the CJN stated.

He decried that with Justice Muhammad’s exit, the apex court bench has further depleted to 10.

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The Department of State Service (DSS) Wednesday evening freed Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago (today 25th October, 2023),” DSS said in a statement.

Bawa reunited with his family amid celebration shortly after his release from DSS custody after 134 days in detention.

The former EFCC chairman was arrested by the DSS in mid-June following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

Although DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya said Bawa arrived DSS office to honour an ‘invitation’, he was not allowed to leave until after four months.

Afunanya said the ‘invitation’ by the Nigerian secret police relates to some investigative activities concerning Bawa’s tenure as EFCC chairman.

The Presidency and the DSS did not disclose the outcome of its investigation on Bawa as of the time of filing this report.

Bawa’s removal from office follows a similar pattern that previous EFCC heads – Ibrahim Magu, Ibrahim Lamorde and Farida Waziri – have been in recent times.

President Tinubu, a week ago, appointed a new EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede to replace Bawa.

The Nigerian Senate confirmed Olukayode as chairman and Muhammad Hammajoda as the Secretary of the anti-graft agency.

DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago (today 25th October, 2023).

Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi
Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications
Department of State Services
National Headquarters
Abuja.
25th October, 2023

— Department of State Services (DSS) (@OfficialDSSNG) October 25, 2023

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This year’s event has as its theme, “Practice Management: The Heartbeat of Every Impactful Legal Career.” The colloquium was held at the exquisite Presidential Hall, C. J. Patterson Building, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Osigwe’s thought-provoking and enlightening discourse  dwelt on the topic, “Advertising: Navigating Today’s Realities with the Current Statutory Provisions of Professional Ethics.”

The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary dissected the intricate dynamics of legal practitioners’ conduct as it relates to promoting their services and attracting clientele.

The central focus of Osigwe’s discussion lay in scrutinizing the rules of professional conduct governing legal practitioners. He examined the guidelines and shed light on what lawyers are permitted to do, and perhaps more crucially, what they are prohibited from doing, in their quest to garner business and build thriving legal careers.

In emphasizing the need for lawyers to maintain ethical standards in the course of practice, Osigwe noted that that even though legal practitioners in practice are engaged in legal business, they are not business people.

His words: “We are part of a profession that has a special obligation to our clients, to the courts, to society, and to the higher cause of justice. Business people do not have such obligations. We do.

“In promoting our legal practice we must ensure that we observe the highest ethical standards in the profession. It should not be an anything-goes situation. To successfully run a practice like a business, one must be an entrepreneur who must act ethically at all nights and refuse to allow the urge to run a profitable practice to enmesh him or her in unethical conduct.”

In a world where the legal landscape is evolving rapidly and the lines between ethical promotion and overzealous advertising can blur, Osigwe’s insights provide a valuable compass for legal professionals navigating the complexities of contemporary legal practice. His presentation at the C. O. ANAH SAN Memorial Colloquium undoubtedly enriched the legal community’s understanding of these critical issues and reinforced the importance of upholding professional ethics in the pursuit of a successful legal career.

The Supreme Court has fixed Thursday for the judgment on the appeals by the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party, Peter Obi, respectively.

The duo is praying the apex court to set aside the judgment by the presidential election tribunal which affirmed the election of President Bola Tinubu.

According to a Hearing Notice obtained by CITY LAWYER, the judgment on the appeals had been scheduled for tomorrow.

The last proceeding on Monday the apex court reserved judgment on the two appeals for a date to be communicated to the parties.

Apart from faulting the verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court( PEPC), which affirmed Tinubu’s election, Atiku Abubakar also filed for permission to tender a copy of Tinubu’s academic records released by the Chicago State University( CSU), USA, which he said showed that Tinubu submitted a forged CSU certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

The former vice president is also seeking to get a Washington, D.C. court to order the FBI to release documents on President Tinubu’s $460,000 forfeiture case.

While the Labour Party and its presidential candidate,Obi is seeking the quashing of judgment of the lower court.

The lead counsel to Obi and his party, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) had prayed the Apex Court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court, Abubakar Mahmoud, Olanipekun and Olujimi, representing INEC, Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the APC, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit.

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A senior lawyer, Echezona Etiaba (SAN) has expressed regrets over the misinformation arising from a session at the Imo State Assembly and National Assembly tribunal sitting in Lagos, wherein he allegedly accused Mr Damian Dodo (SAN) and the judges of corruption.

In a statement, the lawyer explained that at no time during the sitting did he insinuate that Dodo bribed the judges, noting that the situation never arose since the senior lawyer (Dodo) wasn’t even a counsel in the case.

A report by a national newspaper had indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) counsel, Etiaba presented two petitions allegedly written by his clients accusing the three-member panel of being compromised.

It also accused Dodo , whom the report alleged to be counsel for one of the appellants of being the conduit to reach the panel headed by Justice Danjuma Mohammed, the presiding judge of Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal.

But Etiaba who described Dodo as a man of unblemished legal record, stated that he did not mention the content of the said letter, let alone accuse anybody of bribery.

“My attention has been drawn to a news item titled: “Chaos at the Court of Appeal, Lagos”. The only thing correct about the trending news is that I drew the court’s attention to a letter written by our client, (a political party) but the insinuation that the respected Damian Dodo SAN (a legal luminary whose pedigree is unblemished) compromised the Justices of the Court of Appeal on the appeals is an allegation that I don’t believe.

“As much as the letters were handed to me while I was announcing the appearance of my team and I had no time to read same, upon being seized of the facts, I knew that the allegations do not hold water.

“I state categorically that Damian Dodo (SAN) is not representing any of the parties in the appeals before the Honourable Court as regards Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu and the justices had just been assigned the cases that morning, thereby making any theory of compromise impossible.

“The embarrassment caused My Lords and my big brother, Damian Dodo (SAN) by this ugly incident is regretted.” 

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NEWS RELEASE

The Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has said his administration would earmark high allocation to the education sector in the state even as he assured support for the Nigerian Law School in the areas of new infrastructure and rehabilitation of the existing dilapidated structures in the school.

Governor Mbah gave the assurances, Monday, when the senior management staff of the Enugu Campus of the Nigerian Law School led by the Deputy Director General (DDG), Mrs. Maureen Stanley-Idum, paid a courtesy visit in his office at the Government House, Enugu, to solicit the state’s support to upgrade the institution.

The governor, who further said his government was keen on providing the right infrastructure and conducive learning environment for students in the state, said education was key to achieving and sustaining the legacy projects the administration had rolled out.

According to him, plans had already been activated to review the state’s academic curriculum targeted at providing independent, well-equipped and adequately trained students with modern skills irrespective of areas of specialization.

Promising that the education sector would be one of the major beneficiaries of next year’s allocations in the budget, Mbah said the administration had picked special interest in primary school, through the tertiary education system, pointing at the cut off programme that was designed to encourage early child learning.

“We have a programmme we refer to as Cut-Off Point which identifies the young ones at age three and instills in them the right civic habits and moral values. We are changing the way they learn. We are also interested in our students in the university,” the governor said.

He also noted that before vying for the governorship office, he had interacted with the former Deputy Director General of the campus where he promised to build a state-of-the-art moot court for them, as part of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd’s Corporate Social Responsibility, saying the plan had not been abandoned as he would reach out to the management of the company to remind them of the pledge.

Mbah, who said he would direct his Special Adviser on Project Development and Implementation to inspect the conditions of the institution and activate the process of rehabilitation, added that the state government would not abandon the school especially now that it was in dire needs of intervention.

“I noticed you outlined a good number of pressing needs. You talked about vehicles, the auditorium, and renovation of dilapidated academic building for lecturers, ICT, and library, among others. So, we are going to partner with the Nigerian Law School to see how we can support you on those items you listed. Be assured of our support and commitment,” the governor added.

Speaking earlier, the DDG, who expressed support and solidarity for the governor, said they had visited to identify with him as both a lawyer and a governor who understood the task of leading the state to greater heights.

“It is our earnest prayer that the Lord will increase your capacity as an instrument of peace and social transformation in a way that your administration will be characterized by remarkably improved good governance with attendant positive fruits seen in interpersonal harmony among the people, infrastructural development, social cohesion and security,” she noted.

While underscoring the challenges of the campus and the need to expand its capacity from its current 750 to 1500 capacity, the DDG stated that the institution was battling with the problems of inadequate facilities and infrastructural development, urging the government for immediate intervention.

“The campus faces challenges and lags behind other campuses in terms of inadequate facilities and infrastructural development. Given the vast expanse of land available, coupled with the huge backlog of law graduates who cannot be admitted, it is imperative to develop as quickly as possible, the Augustine Nnamani Campus so as to reap the maximum advantage and benefits from the decentralization of the Nigerian Law School and the citing of the campus in this part of the country,” she added.

While listing some of the challenges facing the campus to include logistics, infrastructure and expansion, Mrs. Stanley-Idum said the “citing of the Campus in Enugu was meant to ameliorate the suffering of our students, especially those from this part of the country who had to travel all the way to Lagos or Abuja for their one-year vocational training in law”.

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A senior Lawyer, Mr. Tochukwu Ohazuruike has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN for alleged money laundering.

In a petition he made available to CITY LAWYER and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Ohazuruike stated that he was writing “to bring to your attention serious contraventions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Misappropriation of Funds and corruption being perpetrated by the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, OON.”

The petition is titled “PETITION AGAINST MR. YAKUBU CHONOKO MAIKYAU, SAN OON (THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION), FOR MONEY LAUNDERING, MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS AND CORRUPTION.”

He premised his petition on “His (Maikyau’s) public admission to receiving undisclosed amount of hard currencies in cash from an anonymous Donor on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association, which he said amounted to about Fifty Million Naira when he converted it, and other conducts of his, which warrants and necessitates our demand for a thorough investigation by your esteemed Commission ….”

Ohazuruike alleged that the NBA President “unilaterally converted the funds into Naira, claiming it amounted to N50, 000, 000. 00 (Fifty Million Naira). He further admitted to have unilaterally deducted N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) cash from the said amount for personal use and deposited the remaining N40, 000,000 (Forty Million Naira) into the Association’s account.”

According to the senior lawyer, “These actions, are contrary to Section S. 2(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and S. 9(5)(g) of the NBA Constitution for receiving donations on behalf of the Association.”

He alleged that “in Mr. Yakubu’s voluntary confession, he admitted to have received several donations which he failed/refused to mention the donors and the amounts received for hosting the NBA National Executive Committee Meeting in Kebbi State in March 2023, with no remittance to the Association’s Accounts and in clear breach of the prescribed protocols mandated by the Association’s Constitution, this he did also mention to the National Officers at the 6th hybrid National Executive Meeting which held on 27th April, 2023 where he stated the following as recorded in the minutes of meeting. The records of this meeting should also be available in video as the IT Admin of the NBA by standard records all official meetings.”

Aside from alleged money laundering, Ohazuruike also accused Maikyau of “arbitrary patronage,” lack of accountability, abuse of office, and “unconstitutional hijack of the office of the national treasurer.”

He stated that the evidence against the NBA President “are self-incriminating and littered all over social media in the public domain,” adding that “The EFCC does not require even a single witness at trial and in proof of the case against the NBA President.”

Inviting the anti-graft agency to launch the probe, Ohazuruike wrote: “As a concerned member of the NBA, I urge the EFCC to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that Ohazuruike had launched a spirited battle to stall Maikyau’s NBA Presidency bid. He however told CITY LAWYER that his petitions to the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) and an appeal to the NBA Board of Trustees were dismissed.

It was unclear at press time whether the NBA has been informed about the petition.

Below is the full text of the petition.

Thursday, 21st September, 2023

THE CHAIRMAN,                                                                                                            URGENT
Economic & Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC Headquarters,
Along Jabi Airport Road,
FCT – Abuja.

Dear Sir,

PETITION AGAINST MR. YAKUBU CHONOKO MAIKYAU, SAN OON (THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION), FOR MONEY LAUNDERING, MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS AND CORRUPTION

I write as a legal practitioner and member of the Nigerian Bar Association to bring to your attention serious contraventions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, Misappropriation of Funds and corruption being perpetrated by the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, OON.

His public admission to receiving undisclosed amount of hard currencies in cash from an anonymous Donor on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association, which he said amounted to about Fifty Million Naira when he converted it, and other conducts of his, which warrants and necessitates our demand for a thorough investigation by your esteemed Commission for the following reasons:

A. Herein are some facts of the alleged Money Laundering:

i. On the 30th of August 2023, during the Association’s Annual General Meeting, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau openly confessed to have received undisclosed sum in United States Dollars which in his words, he termed as “hard currency” from undisclosed individuals on behalf of the Association, in a manner which contravenes the provisions of Sections 2(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and 9(5)(g) of the NBA Constitution.

ii. He unilaterally converted the funds into Naira, claiming it amounted to N50, 000, 000. 00 (Fifty Million Naira). He further admitted to have unilaterally deducted N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) cash from the said amount for personal use and deposited the remaining N40, 000,000 (Forty Million Naira) into the Association’s account.

iii. In his public confession, he alluded to the fact that prior to his unilateral deduction for personal use, he brought the said undisclosed USD to the NBA office in a bag, and invited the General Secretary of the NBA, Mr. Adesina Adegbite to see the “hard currency” he received on behalf of the Association.

iv. These actions, are contrary to Section S. 2(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and S. 9(5)(g) of the NBA Constitution for receiving donations on behalf of the Association.

v. The Association possesses foreign accounts, particularly a US Dollar account that could have lawfully received donations in foreign currencies with the appropriate record-keeping and procedures and it is clearly expressed in our constitution the right procedure required for receiving donations in Section 9 (f) (g) of the NBA Constitution.

vi. Moreover, there are concerns and unverified reports of numerous donations that Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau SAN may have received in his capacity as President of the Association without adhering to due process or remitting the funds to the Association’s accounts.
(The video recording of Mr. Y C Maikyau’s confession is hereto enclosed in this petition alongside minutes of the hybrid meeting held on the 27th of April 2023 where he also mentioned same on a recorded zoom meeting to members of the National Executive of the NBA)
https://barristerng.com/full-video-nba-president-maikyau-san-responds-to-allegations-by-national-officers/
https://youtu.be/a-TmjGWgr3Y 
https://youtu.be/IEwaiM_1urg
https://youtu.be/lSvDzBZTMcs
https://youtu.be/ZEXu0ZxL3wo

B. LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY :

i. There have been reports of lack of transparency and accountability in the management of expenditures of NBA funds since the inception of Mr. YC Maikyau’s tenure.
Members of the Association were denied clear and detailed financial reports at the last Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is contrary to the Association’s constitution and tradition of having same presented by the National Treasurer.

ii. Additionally, in Mr. Yakubu’s voluntary confession, he admitted to have received several donations which he failed/refused to mention the donors and the amounts received for hosting the NBA National Executive Committee Meeting in Kebbi State in March 2023, with no remittance to the Association’s Accounts and in clear breach of the prescribed protocols mandated by the Association’s Constitution, this he did also mention to the National Officers at the 6th hybrid National Executive Meeting which held on 27th April, 2023 where he stated the following as recorded in the minutes of meeting. The records of this meeting should also be available in video as the IT Admin of the NBA by standard records all official meetings.

Here is an excerpt culled from the minutes of the hybrid meeting:

4.17 On the hosting of the last NEC, the President narrated the way the funding for the said NEC came about, and how he went about it before funding came. He said he put in N20 Million first, and subsequently N40 Million came from the Kebbi State Government, and the AGF gave N8.7 Million. He stated that all disbursements have been made. He also narrated the N50Million (in dollars) that came from a donor through the AGF.

ii. Furthermore, disbursement of allowances to National Secretariat staff were made from a private account belonging to one Mrs. Kemi Beatrice during the NEC meeting, in clear breach of extant rules against the age-long practice and standard protocol of using the Association accounts for receiving donations and making payments on behalf of the Association. Payments to vendors during the said NEC meetings were also allegedly routed through different accounts instead of the Association’s official accounts.

iii. There are controversies surrounding the 1.5 Billion Naira access to finance monies secured by the past administration of which there are suspicions that same has been tampered with by Mr. Y.C Maikyau SAN without an authorization from the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association contrary to S. 9(5)(g) of the NBA Constitution.
(Herein attached are the minutes of the 6th hybrid Meeting of National Officers)

C. ARBITRARY PATRONAGE:

Mr. Maikyau is accused of using NBA funds for arbitrary patronage of his associates, without proper justification or adherence to established financial rules. This raises concerns about cronyism and misuse of the Association resources to engage relatives in handling sensitive matters.

i. There are alleged reports of using the name of the Association to engage various organizations and private Companies for Sponsorship and Partnership for personal benefits without following due process in such engagements and refusing to provide accountable details of such which was also mentioned at the Hybrid meeting to wit: acquisition of Laptops for the Secretariat. The excerpt reads thus:

4.11: The President stated that Ibifuro had a meeting with the Acting ED regarding the supply of Laptops. He explained the model for payment for the Laptops. He also mentioned the Lenovo arrangement stating that his friend has written to the Lenovo Office in France seeking partnership and sponsorship to enable us get Laptops, Screens, Tablets, etc.

ii. Concerns have been raised regarding the inflated costs of bags purchased for the Annual General Conference, which were reported to be significantly higher than the amount approved by the National Executive Committee of the Association. These costs were allegedly inflated by over 50%, with alleged reports of insider dealings, this is amidst several unconfirmed reports of inflated cost for vendors engaged and shady sponsorship deals as regards the 2023 Annual General Conference.

iii. To put the above in proper perspective, the National Executive Committee approved the sum of Four Hundred and Twenty Five Million Naira (N425,000,000) for the purchase of bags for the Annual General Conference, however, over Seven Hundred Million Naira (N700,000,000) was claimed to have been expended for the said purchase which indicates an over 60% illegal inflation in the cost with allegations of inducements by Mr. Maikyau influencing members of the National Executive Committee to approve a budget with an over Two Hundred Million Naira (N200,000,000) in deficit.

iv. Allegations of insider dealings and conflict of interest surrounding the award of various contracts to proxies and relatives of Mr. YC Maikyau and relatives should be investigated. This Mr. Maikyau publicly admitted at the Association NEC Meeting on August 26, 2023 in the award of the NBA IT Consult contract to his Nephew Mr. Solomon Magaji. Below are links reporting this news:

D. UNCONSTITIONAL HIJACK OF THE OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL TREASURER:

It has come to the attention of all members that Mr. Maikyau has unilaterally spent NBA funds without consulting or involving the Association’s Treasurer. This disregard for established procedures is a serious breach of trust and financial governance within the NBA and against its constitution.

i. All the above facts evidently suggest reasons why the purported Audited Report sought to be tendered for adoption at the Annual General Meeting was craftily prepared without the input or involvement of the Association’s Treasurer who would have questioned the unapproved tampering of funds. The Treasurer publicly denounced and disowned the Audited Report before all members and the world at the Association’s 2023 Annual General Meeting.

ii. These brazen acts of Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, OON as President of the NBA should be subject to thorough scrutiny himself and anyone found culpable should be made to face the law. Below is a link showing the allegation made by the Treasurer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYvhCGBWu40&pp=ygUNbmJhIHRyZWFzdXJlcg%3D%3D

E. ABUSE OF OATH OF OFFICE:

Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, OON as President of NBA, took an oath of office to serve the best interests of the Association. His alleged actions, including the flagrant abuse of the money laundering act, and other relevant laws and constitution of the NBA appears to be motivated by greed, personal aggrandizement in violation of his oath of office.

CONCLUSION
As a concerned member of the NBA, I urge the EFCC to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations.

The evidences against Mr. Maikyau, SAN, OON are self-incriminating and littered all over social media in the public domain. The EFCC does not require even a single witness at trial and in proof of the case against the NBA President.

I believe that it is essential to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity within our Association. Any wrongdoing should be thoroughly examined, and if substantiated, appropriate legal action should be taken and trust that the EFCC will act in accordance with the law to ensure justice and accountability prevails.

Nigerians and indeed the world are watching to see whether the EFCC, especially under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration would match its words with action in the fight against the menace of impunity and corruption in Nigeria. This case presents the EFCC with an opportunity to make bold its stands against impunity and corruption.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

Tochukwu Ohazuruike
Principal Counsel

ENCL
Minutes of Meeting of the 6th hybrid Meeting of National Officers of the NBA

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The working conditions of Nigeria’s judicial officers again came to the fore today as a Senior Magistrate was seen being ferried to work on commercial motorcycle popularly called ‘okada.’

CITY LAWYER reliably gathered that the Senior Magistrate (name withheld) was compelled to ride on the commercial motorcycle as she allegedly does not have any official vehicle attached to her.

A source who is familiar with the trend told CITY LAWYER that the judicial officer was heading to Neni Chief Magistrates Court in Anambra State to perform her usual judicial function.

Though there has been a clamour for judicial autonomy and better funding of the Judiciary, the challenges in this area persist.

Speaking on the trending matter, a social commentator, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye wrote: “Another Magistrate who dared to take her (Bolikaja) vehicle to work to safe (sic) face the other day got a lesson in vehicle breakdowns that eventually took the Divisional Police Officer of nearby station to rescue her while heading home from work late in the evening somewhere at Nibo.”

On his part, a Lagos-based senior lawyer noted that the trend may put the judicial officers in harm’s way, saying: “This is absolute disgrace to the judiciary and what it stands for. It’s not even safe for the Magistrate who sits over matters of criminals daily. The welfare of the Judiciary as an institution ought to have been considered in this administration of an intellect who knows the implication of undermining same.”

The Anambra State Government had budgeted 2.1% for its Law and justice sector while the social sector accounts for 15.2% of the capital budget size. Sectorial allocation was spread across four broad sectors including the administrative sector, economic sector, law & justice sector, and social sector.

CITY LAWYER was unable to reach any source at the Anambra State Judiciary at the time of going to press.

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Dear Fellow Nigerians,

As Nigeria marks its 63rd Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every citizen of this remarkable nation. Today, we come together to celebrate not just a historical milestone, but also the spirit of resilience, diversity, and unwavering hope that defines Nigeria.

Unity has always been at the core of Nigeria’s strength. In a country as diverse as ours, unity is not just a choice but a necessity. It’s a reminder that despite our differences in language, culture, and tradition, we are all bound by a common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to foster unity, transcending the barriers that may seek to divide us, and together, we can face any challenge that comes our way.

Freedom, the cornerstone of any democratic society, is a precious gift we must cherish and protect. It’s a reminder that we have the power to shape our destiny and hold our leaders accountable. Let us pledge to preserve this freedom, ensuring it reaches every corner of our nation, and guaranteeing equal opportunities and justice for all.

As we celebrate, let us also focus on growth and development. Nigeria is a land of immense potential, from its abundant natural resources to its vibrant human capital. It’s a country capable of greatness. Let us work tirelessly to harness this potential, creating a future where every Nigerian enjoys a higher quality of life and access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

In this moment of celebration and reflection, let us unite in prayer for Nigeria’s progress. May our great nation continue to grow, prosper, and shine as a beacon of hope for Africa and the world. Let us pray for leaders with vision and integrity, for peace and security to prevail across the land, and for the betterment of the lives of all Nigerians.

Happy 63rd Independence Day, Nigeria! Let the colors of our flag inspire us to strive for unity, freedom, and growth. Together, we can achieve a brighter, more prosperous future.

With optimism and solidarity,

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN

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Judge Nancy Maldonado U.S. Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago has restated the earlier ruling by Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert which ordered Chicago State University to release President Bola Tinubu’s academic records by tomorrow, Monday, 2nd October, 2023.

According to a trending document obtained by CITY LAWYER, Judge Maldonado reportedly warned that any request for stay of the judgement from Tinubu will be denied.

In a major victory for former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Judge Nancy Maldonado of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has ruled that Chicago State University (CSU) must release all documents about Bola Tinubu, the current President of Nigeria. The order includes all relevant and non-privileged documents, such as Tinubu’s admission records, transcripts, and any other documents related to his education at CSU.

Abubakar had filed a lawsuit in the US court seeking to compel CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records. He argued that the records were necessary for his case in Nigeria, in which he is challenging Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.

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