J-K GADZAMA LLP HOLDS 10TH ANNUAL MOOT AND MOCK TRIAL FOR NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL EXTERNS

J-K Gadzama LLP, founded by the foremost Bar Leader and Life Bencher, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, successfully held its 10th Annual Moot and Mock Trial for Nigerian Law School Externs on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

The annual programme reflects Chief Gadzama’s unwavering commitment to giving back to the legal profession and investing in the development of the next generation of legal practitioners.

The event took place at the Hon. Justice Niki Tobi Moot Court, located on the Pent Floor of J-K Gadzama Court. The Moot Court, donated by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, serves as a dedicated facility where Nigerian Law School students and university law students engage in moot and mock trial exercises designed to sharpen their skills in advocacy and litigation.

The Moot Court Trial was presided over by Hon. Justice I. E. Ekwo, who represented the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. The event was graced by several distinguished personalities including the Director General of the Nigerian Law School – Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayomi Odusote; the Head of Academics – Dr. J. U. Ebuara; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Law Society – Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, FCArb, OFR and Prof. Maxwell M. Gidado, SAN, OON.

During the Moot Trial Session, Seventeen (17) Nigerian Law School Externs —Kingsley Okpala, Yahaya Nasir, Ekaette Utibe, Ololade Olawoye, Grace Anani, ⁠Musa Sumayyah, Lawrence Emmanuel, Eleanor Iwuoha, Ni’imah Salman-Adeniyi, ⁠Oko Eboh, Onyebuchi Purity, Lazarus Favour, Anike Somebi, Oludowole Oluwaseyi, Dabota Herbert-Miller, Tolani Marufat, Tamunoibim Mietamuno Jaja — actively participated by playing various roles as Registrar, Clerk, Witnesses, and Counsel for both the Prosecution and the Defendant.

The Externs demonstrated remarkable advocacy skills throughout the proceedings, particularly in arguing the Defendant’s Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Court, cross-examination of witnesses of both the Prosecution and the Defendant as well as contesting the admissibility of certain documentary evidence for which the Court reserved its ruling.

In his remarks after the trial session, Hon. Justice I. E. Ekwo commended Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN and the management of J-K Gadzama LLP for their sustained commitment to mentoring and nurturing young lawyers through practical advocacy initiatives. His Lordship further urged the DG of the Nigerian Law School to consider the propriety of making the Moot and Mock Trial a compulsory exercise for all the students of the Nigerian Law School.

Also speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Learned Silk for his unwavering dedication to the professional development of Nigerian Law School students and young legal practitioners through his commendable initiatives.

Similarly, The special guests – Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, FCArb, OFR and Prof. Maxwell M. Gidado, SAN, OON as well as Mr. Felix N. Ereke (representing the Chairman of the Body of Benchers) expressed gratitude towards Chief Gadzama, SAN for his laudable contributions to the growth of legal education in Nigeria.

In his response, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Justice I. E. Ekwo for presiding over the session. He recalled that the inspiration for the annual programme originated from his own experience as a Nigerian Law School student in the 1980s, when the late Hon. Justice Niki Tobi organised a similar moot and mock trial exercise. In honour of the late jurist’s enduring legacy and immense contribution to legal education, the Learned Silk explained that he considered it most fitting to name the firm’s moot court after the late jurist.

Gadzama concluded by commending the Externs for their outstanding performance, impressive advocacy, and enthusiastic participation throughout the exercise. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to mentoring young lawyers and promoting capacity building within the legal profession.

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