• ‘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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A major contender for the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) First Vice President in  the forthcoming elections has quit the race, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Former NBA Enugu Branch Chairman, Dr. Jude Ezegwui told CITY LAWYER that he was throwing in the towel in compliance with the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) Constitution which has zoned the slot to the South South bloc of the regional association.

CITY LAWYER gathered that the Bar Leader also told the last EBF meeting in Enugu of his resolve to collapse his campaign as it concerns the position.

Ezegwui noted that the three leading contenders for the post of NBA President all hail from Anambra State, adding that it would not accord with inclusion for him who is also from the state to gun for the position of NBA First Vice President, leaving the eight other EBF states with no post.

“I was approached by senior members of the Bar, SANs, Lagos, Abuja and PH branch members and Eastern Bar Forum to allow the South-South region to go for the position of 1st Vice NBA,” Ezegwui told CITY LAWYER. “I have always believed that Bar politics is about service; It is not a do-or-die affair.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that as part of the horse-trading that has enveloped the NBA political firmament recently, the stakeholders may have offered the former NBA Enugu Branch helmsman the position of NBA General Secretary come 2026.

It is envisaged that he may be more effectual in that position unlike the post of NBA First Vice President which some political watchers believe does not have real executive powers.

While Ezegwui’s withdrawal may have handed the initiative to the three leading aspirants from the South South bloc, namely Dr. Promise Iwezor of Isiokpo Branch, Mr. Sopriye Long Williams and Mr. Reginald Ugwuadu of Port Harcourt Branch – they would still have to contend with other aspirants from the South East bloc including Dr. Gerald Abonyi, pioneer Chairman of NBA Obollo-Afor Branch; former NBA Ikeja Chairman, Mr. Bartholomew Aguegbedo. On the other hand, while former Aguata Branch Chairman, Mr. Sabastine Anyia hails from the South South bloc, he has since adopted the South East and especially Anambra State as his practice and political base. Former NBA Yenagoa Branch Chairman, Mr. Ikechukwu Stanley Damabide is also said to be interested in the position.

CITY LAWYER observes that some candidates have occasionally defied the EBF Constitution by insisting on testing their political prowess with the electorate.

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MAY THE JOY OF THE RISEN CHRIST COMPEL NBA PRESIDENT, MR. YAKUBU MAIKYAU SAN AND THE FORMER FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, MR. JOHN AIKPOKPO-MARTINS TO SHEATH THEIR SWORDS AND EMBRACE PEACE

It’s no longer news that Mr. President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau SAN and the chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA SPIDEL) are having a lingering battle that is now in every tabloid and newspaper in the country. I am also aware that the matter is now in the court of law. This has divided the Bar to a reasonable degree and has caused non-lawyers and other Associations to cast aspersions on our profession.

I sincerely believe that their differences can be settled in-house without the involvement of outsiders. Just recently, friends who are not lawyers have inundated me with calls and messages asking me what is happening in our Association that our Leaders are washing their dirty linens in public.

I became more worried when it got to my notice that the two leaders are Call mates. I plead that their call mates intensify efforts in reconciling their differences. I am not interested in who’s right or wrong at this stage but in anything that will bring peace and the matter in court withdrawn.

I solicit the intervention of past Presidents of the NBA and some respected elders of the Association. I am not sure that any of them is happy about the crisis. It is our tradition that when two brothers or friends are at war, the neighbours and elders intervene for the sake of peace.

When you read the allegations and counter allegations against each other that is now making headlines, you will agree with me that it is not healthy for the association. In every fight, the gladiators are not always equal. One is always bigger and more advantageous than the other. The mediators will know how to pacify both sides for the sake of peace and good name of the Association. There’s no doubt that peace is better than war in all circumstances.

May I also respectfully plead that we should always exercise restraint in going to the Press over in-house issues. Let us endeavor to employ all means of settling in-house issues amicably before making them public. May I passionately pray Mr. President to show love and concern in handling this peace proposal just as I beg the SPIDEL chairman to be amenable to settlement. This will save the association a huge cost and improve fraternity.

I’m looking forward to seeing Mr. President and SPIDEL chairman hugging themselves this Easter Season. It is possible, as this is the season of reconciliation.

May God bless NBA President. May God bless members of the NBA. May God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

SABASTINE U. ANYIA, ESQ.

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[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

HAPPY EASTER 

As we commemorate Easter, may this season bring forth lasting peace and prosperity into our lives. May we be surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, and may the spirit of Easter inspire us towards greater kindness and compassion.

Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN
Partner, ALN: Aluko & Oyebode
Chairman, NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC)
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
@Chukwukaikwuazom
@chukwukaikwuazom_official X
@chukwukaikwuazom

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The Risen Christ has brought succour and salvation to the world.

Our liberation is here, Glory be to God!

Happy Easter to the faithful.

May this day be as special and beautiful for you.

I hope you have a fun, sunny, memorable Easter.

May the spirit of Easter bring you  hope, love, and joyful living.

May you have a blessed day!

Dr. Gerald Abonyi
… consulting for the office of NBA 1st Vice President

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Dear Colleagues and friends,

As we celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter, let us rejoice in the spirit of renewal, hope, and love that permeates this special day. Easter is a time of reflection, gratitude, and rejoicing in the triumph of life over death.

Just as the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, Easter serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the limitless possibilities of redemption and transformation.

In our shared journey of learning and growth, may we draw inspiration from the teachings of Easter to embrace change, embrace new beginnings, and embrace the opportunities to make a positive difference in the world.

Let us extend a hand of friendship, support, and encouragement to one another as we navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes that lie ahead. Together, may we continue to strive for excellence, pursue knowledge, and foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and understanding.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Easter filled with joy, peace, and the promise of new beginnings.

Best regards,
Afam Osigwe, SAN
LIFE BENCHER/PAST GENERAL SECRETARY, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION

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“Dear colleagues,

As we celebrate this Easter season, may the beauty of new beginnings, the joy of sharing love and the blessings of hope and renewal fill your hearts and lives. Wishing you all a wonderful Easter filled with happiness, peace, and the warmth of family and friends.

Happy Easter to you and your loved ones!

Warm regards,
Ede Asenoguan

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Joyce Oduah Easter Message 2024: AN EASTER OF VICTORY!

As we celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the profound significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, we rejoice in the fact that Jesus has risen from the dead, conquering sin and death, and has gained victory over all that threatens to destroy us.

This is a reminder of our own life of victory in Him, and the hope that we have in Him. Jesus is the embodiment of victory, and through Him, we, too, can be victorious in all areas of our lives.

_Let us embrace this Easter of victory,_
_And hold on to the hope it brings,_
_For in Christ, we have found the key,_
_To overcome life’s toughest things._
_Let us celebrate His triumph over death,_
_And bask in the glory of His love,_
_For through Him, we have found true life,_
_And a home in heaven above._
_So let us sing and shout with joy,_
_And let our hearts be filled with praise,_
_For in Christ, we have found our victory,_
_And our hope for all our days._

Dearest Colleagues and friends, Happy Easter celebration.

Joyce Oduah FICMC
Principal Partner, Joyce & Okey Oduah LP
Vice President West Africa Pan African Lawyer’s Union (PALU)
Imm. Past General Secretary NBA
Council Member, Commonwealth Lawyers Association
Fmr. Council Member International Bar Association
Principal Partner Joyce & Okey Oduah LP

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NEWS RELEASE

NIGERIAN LAW SOCIETY (NLS) RECEIVES SPECIAL ACCOLADE FROM AFRICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (AFBA) ON ITS VICTORY IN COURT

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has continued to receive unending commendations and congratulatory messages on its groundbreaking victory in a Suit filed by its Promoters against the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); wherein the corporate existence of NLS was validated by a Court Order mandating CAC to proceed to register and thereafter issue a certificate of registration to NLS.

The African Bar Association (AFBA), upon receiving a report of the landmark judgment, which has been described by renowned Senior Advocates of Nigeria as a victory for the Nigerian Constitution and lawyers, congratulated the leadership and members of NLS.

In a letter signed by AFBA’s Deputy Secretary General and Acting Secretary of the Governing Council – Cllr. Edjera E. Barchue, and addressed to the President of NLS – Chief Kunle Ogunba, SAN, the Association expressed success wishes to the Society.

Being the “fearless voice of the legal profession” in Africa, AFBA, without any iota of equivocation, reiterated its unrestricted support to NLS as well as all bodies of lawyers in the continent.

As the umbrella body of lawyers and the Bar Association in the Continent, AFBA did not hesitate to highlight the need for a synergy between NLS and NBA for the benefit of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

NLS LAGOS CHAPTER
Maiden Chapter physical Meeting

DATE:
Wednesday, 17th April 2024

TIME: 3pm Prompt

Venue
Kunle Ogunba & Associates,
House 192 A&B, Isale Eko Ave, Dolphin Estate, Lagos

Agenda
1. Opening and welcome
2. Introductions
3. About NLS, Aims and Objects
4. State of the Legal Profession & the Judiciary in Lagos State
5. Establishment of Committees & Related matters
6. 2nd NLS AGC, Ibadan 2024
7. A. O. B
8. Refreshments
9. Adjournment & Closing

Signed
Yomi Omoyele, Esq.
Chapter Secretary

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An Enugu State High Court presided over by Justice Anthony Onovo has dismissed a suit brought by Chief Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu challenging the right of Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to the estate of her deceased husband and Igbo Leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Debe had urged the court to declare that Ojukwu died intestate and that he was the first son of the Igbo Leader who was entitled to his estate.

The plaintiff had also sought an order restraining Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu from interfering with the administration of the estate of the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu as well as a declaration that he was entitled to the Letter of Administration to the estate.

Though the Biafra leader died on November 26, 2011, Bianca and Mr. James Ezike were named as first and second defendants respectively, having also been named in Ojukwu’s will as trustees and executors of his estate.

Delivering the judgement which lasted for over two hours, Justice Onovo held that the plaintiff was unable to prove that he was acknowledged by the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu in his lifetime as his biological son.

The court held that it is the prerogative of a man to recognize a child allegedly born out of wedlock as his child, adding that acknowledgement of paternity could also be inferred from certain acts by a father towards a purported son. Justice Onovo held that such acts were not present in the instant case .

Though the plaintiff had averred that he had been recognized by groups, associations and other members of society as a son of the late Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the court held that mere public opinion could not be the sole basis for determining the paternity of a child.

CITY LAWYER recalls that the plaintiff had also challenged the validity of the will on the basis of typographical errors and signatories, arguing that Odumegwu-Ojukwu died intestate. The court however disagreed and held that the will and codicil were properly and validly made.

Turning to the right of the children of the deceased plaintiff to challenge Ojukwu’s will, having substituted their father upon his demise in 2018, the court held that in order to have the locus to challenge the will, they must first prove that they are the grandchildren of the late Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu and entitled to the benefits accruing from his estate.

Justice Onovo queried: “Since in the suit initiated by the plaintiff, their father, he was unable to prove himself to be a son of the Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, then on what basis would the children of the plaintiff be challenging the will of the latter? Having failed to prove this, they have no beneficiary interest through their father Chief (Dr.) Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu, in the estate of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and there is therefore no merit to this case.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that the matter was instituted by Debe in 2013 challenging the validity of the late Ojukwu’s will, moreso as he was not named in the will as Ojukwu’s son.

The court had distilled the issues to include: whether from the evidence before the court, the plaintiff had adduced enough evidence to establish that he was a son of the deceased and had been acknowledged as such by the deceased in his lifetime; whether the deceased’s will was properly and validly made, and whether the plaintiff, and by extension the children of the plaintiff, were entitled to benefit from the estate of the deceased Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

The plaintiff was upon his demise substituted by his two daughters, Nene Grace and Obianuju Sarah. Though their substitution was challenged by counsel to the defendants, Messrs Emeka Onyemelukwe and Ngozi Abafor, it was allowed by the court.

CITY LAWYER recalls that a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja had last July delivered judgement in favour of the former beauty queen and her children in a case involving the management and control of some assets belonging to Ojukwu Transport Ltd (OTL). OTL is the family company of which Ojukwu was a Director prior to his death.

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In this article, MR ANTHONY OMAH WAMAH, an Assistant Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, a former Chairman of Law Officers Association of Nigeria (Rivers State Chapter) and a Member of the NBA Judiciary Committee, decries the “discrimination” against the Official Bar in matters of NBA Elections and ‘stamp and seal’

It has been my concern that we long to have a better Nigerian Bar Association and as a member, we should collectively work for the overall good of the Association and similarly, the Association too should promote our welfare, wellbeing, our benefits and overall good of all members and not only a few persons.

I have been a member of Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association for over 17 years and have taken very great steps in ensuring that the Bar adopts global best practices even at the NBA National, I have been privileged to advise so many national officers – especially the incoming President, Secretary, Vice President, Welfare officers etc – on how best to promote happiness for all lawyers who belong to the Bar Association and pay their practicing fees and branch dues.

One sure way is to ensure that the welfare of members is paramount; and if we seek the best interest of members – whether of the private Bar, Official Bar, Corporate etc – everybody will attend. The BEST INTEREST OF MEMBERS SHOULD BE THE PURSUIT OF NBA EITHER AT THE BRANCH LEVEL AND NATIONAL LEVEL.

I must commend the various innovations towards National WELFARE, especially the enlarged/ enhanced National Health Insurance by Mr. Olumide Anthony Akpata, former NBA PRESIDENT and subsequent enrollment by Y. C. MAIKYAU, SAN. I look forward to a better performance this year and next year from the would-be president of the Nigerian Bar Association.

I must commend the NEW NBA AGC from 2021, the Mentorship scheme, NBA ICLE, NBA FREE MEDICAL SCHEME AT THE LAST YEAR CONFERENCE, employment scheme, opportunities for the disabled women and children and young lawyers ( Law Pavilion Primsol) and all the legal resources, interventions when members are assaulted by military and paramilitary, the NBA REMUNERATION ORDER and committee, the enhanced financial savings and pursuit of integrity and independence of the Bar.

I must also commend the improvement in the NBA AGC for some years now, and I pray that this year will be better than last year in all ramifications.

All branches of the NBA should protect their members against all harmful actions when they are discharging their lawful duties. Branches can compliment the National Health Insurance scheme for their members. The branches too can establish a co-operative society to assist their members. Money paid as welfare dues should be channeled to the benefit of members.

I want to humbly and sincerely draw the attention of the NBA NATIONAL – especially our President and Secretary – to the issue of discrimination against those in the official and corporate Bar with respect to “Stamp and Seal” and holding the office of the President, Secretary and 1st Vice President.

I wish to say that rather than breaking the Bar into units or parts, let us come together and promote a robust, global bar where love, unity and overall good of everybody will be achieved.

Together, we will all make our dear NBA the best for all.

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The last has not been heard of the festering face-off between estranged Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Associaition (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins and NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN.

In a letter obtained by CITY LAWYER, Maikyau has directed the out-of-favour Bar Leader to “immediately refund all monies collected or paid to you by the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on the strength of your false pretence within seven (7) days from the date of receipt of this letter.”

Continuing, the NBA President vowed to drag the embattled senior lawyer to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), saying: “Failing which, I will have no option than to commence disciplinary action against you before the LPDC, and this I shall do without further notice to you. This is without prejudice to the right of the NBA to initiate any other complaint against you as it may deem appropriate.”

Setting the background for the latest face-off between the two Bar Leaders and Call mates, Maikyau stated that Aikpokpo-Martins and Mr. Victor Onweremadu, acting as Coordinator and Secretary respectively of the now banned ‘Representatives of the NBA to the General Council of the Bar,’ had written to the leadership of the General Council of the Bar (GCB) claiming that the NBA President had stated that he would not provide funding for them for their activities at the council.

“As at the time of making the above-quoted assertion in the letter under reference, you knew that there was no such communication to you by the President of the NBA, and there was no request for payment of, or refund for traveling and accommodation expenses made to the NBA by you. You know that as a practice, NBA will pay for or refund travel and accommodation expenses, whenever such was incurred in the course any assignment approved by the President or the National Executive Council (NEC), upon a demand made and treated through the established process of payment within the NBA.

“Following your request for refund of the cost of flight tickets to the 20 members of NBA in GCB who attended the inaugural meeting of the GCB on 9 January 2023, payment was accordingly made as per the invoice presented to the office of the President. A copy of the invoice you presented and the Access Bank receipt for the payments made are hereto attached. Similarly, for instance, when you attended the proceedings at the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) in the matter between the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA and Adekunbi Ogunde, the request for your accommodation and travel expenses was settled. A copy of the memo by which you were paid, and the Access Bank Receipt thereof are hereto attached.

“Your conduct or action in this instance, is clearly a case of obtaining by false pretence, it was unethical, unprofessional; a conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner and constitutes gross misconduct on your part.”

CITY LAWYER however recalls that in a two-pronged letter to the NBA Annual General Meeting and the Board of Trustees dated 9th March, 2024 and signed by 11 GCB members, they had stated that the NBA President informed them that he would not fund their activities.

In the letter, the GCB members accused the NBA President of misrepresenting his clear position during their meeting with him at NBA House on the heels of their inauguration.

Writing on “FLIGHT TICKETS AND REFUND,” the GCB members stated that “In the course of the meeting, the NBA President decried the paragraph of our letter where we informed the AGF as President of the GCB, of the NBA Presidents communication to us that the NBA would not be responsible for our flight or accommodation expenses. He denied ever making that statement and called on us to present any document where he stated so.

“The NBA President further stated that he would not pay for someone who will be attending the meeting and that he thought that these were things we need to do to serve the Association. He asked Where did I say that I would not pay? I didnt!

“To authenticate his claim, the NBA President brandished an invoice covering for refund of travel expenses to the members of the GCB for our first inaugural meeting while we were referring to subsequent meetings in our letter to the President of the GCB. This was supposed evidence that he caters to our logistics needs. Does he?

“Sadly, the NBA President’s denial of his statement regarding the responsibility for the logistics of NBA Representatives to the GCB is inconsistent with the facts. Contrary to the President’s claim, there is clear evidence of his reluctance to bear the travel expenses of the GCB members. Members of the GCB have had 3 meetings since inauguration of the Council and the NBA President refunded travel expenses only once. When we were invited for our first inauguration, all members bore the cost of their travel expenses to Abuja for the meeting without making any request of the NBA President.

“At the end of our inaugural meeting/swearing in on the 9th day of January, 2023, NBA Reps to the GCB paid a courtesy visit to the NBA President at the NBA National Secretariat and among other issues discussed, the issue of the NBA being responsible for our travel and hotel logistics was thrown up. Mr. NBA President immediately retorted bluntly that the NBA would not be responsible for the expenses of GCB members as said members were members of a different statutory body who should cater to our logistics. He was categorical about it and repeated this several times. In fact he got upset when one of us tried to insist he should and other members had to apologize on behalf of that one member. We left his office that day knowing that we were on our own.

“As we left his office, some members were opportune to see the 1st Vice President, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, who upon getting to know of the Presidents position, promised to speak to him. Upon the 1st Vice President speaking to him, he conceded to a refund of our travel expenses for that one meeting, again reiterating that there would be no further payments. An invoice was then sent to him through the 1st Vice President and members received the one and only refund of their travel logistics, many months after the meeting.

“The invoice he presented during the NEC meeting, which showcased payment for flight tickets, thus only accounts for this single instance when he reluctantly refunded the part of the travel expenses. As the NBA President explicitly communicated that he would not bear the expenses for the GCB for subsequent meetings, no further demands were made of him. This unequivocal statement was made in the presence of over 10 GCB members who visited his office at the NBA National Secretariat. It is inconceivable that the President would deny making such a crucial statement, especially when numerous witnesses can attest to its occurrence.

“Following the single reimbursement made after persistent efforts, the NBA President never catered for the logistics of members and members of the Council for all other meetings have borne their travel and accommodation expenses without complaint.

“Despite this, the President had no qualms in leading NEC to condemn the assertion in the said letter that the NBA President has expressed his inability to fund the expenses of NBA Members in GCB. He also pulled out an invoice for refund of travel expenses for the 1st inaugural meeting of the GCB whereas the letter we wrote to the GCB President was after his remark to us and referred to subsequent meetings of the GCB and not that first meeting. The President was well aware of this, yet he misled NEC to believe that members were calling for refund of expenses for the 1st meeting! He also saw nothing wrong in NEC calling for an investigation into the monies collected by Members of GCB from Ministry of Justice without the knowledge of or reporting to the NBA. This is also perplexing to us that the NBA President seeks to investigate funds paid to members of a statutory body for their lodging for a meeting they all attended.

“The NBA President’s assertion that he never declared his refusal to be responsible for the logistics of NBA Representatives to the GCB, despite clear evidence to the contrary, is not only shocking but raises serious questions about transparency and integrity. We repeat that his statement that he would NOT be responsible for our expenses was made in the presence of over 10 of our members who visited him in his office at the NBA National Secretariat! Imagine our shock therefore when we watched him declare before NEC members that he never said so! A statement he repeated to our hearing several times! Unbelievable!

“The President’s attempt to distance himself from this prior statement during the NEC meeting, where he categorically stated that he never made such a declaration, is deeply troubling. Such contradictions erode the trust and confidence that NBA members place in the leadership’s commitment to accountability, integrity and fair treatment.”

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A former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu has lampooned the recently published list of nominees to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) bench.

Speaking strongly against the limited period within which justice sector stakeholders and the general public are expected to respond to the list, Odinkalu stated that the list “illustrates everything wrong with the Nigerian judiciary.”

Writing via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Odinkalu also expressed disappointment with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), saying it aided legitimization of these “self-serving nominations” by publishing the list on a Friday during the Ramadan and Lenten periods and giving the public only two working days to provide comments.

“When I speak about filialization & genitalization of the Nigerian judiciary, this is an exhibit in that case,” Odinkalu tweeted, referring to the alleged nepotism and favoritism in judicial appointments.

Throwing his spotlight on candidates who allegedly have close ties with current or former ranking judicial and government officials, Odinkalu wrote: “The kind of testicular fortitude required for this kind of perversion of high judicial office is good only for #organisedcrime. Ask urself the question: if this is about administration of justice, why convert judicial office into a family heirloom or a genital insemination?”

According to the rights advocate:

• Candidate No. 7, Buetnaan, is the daughter of the President of the Court of Appeal, who was appointed a judge in Plateau State in 2021, raising questions about the transparency of her potential transfer.
• Candidate No. 11 is an in-law of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who appointed her as a Senior Magistrate last year, suggesting potential quid pro quo arrangements.
• The list includes the daughters of the former and current Chief Judges of the FCT High Court (No. 5 and No. 9, respectively).
• Candidate No. 10 is the daughter-in-law of the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, while No. 12 is the daughter of his immediate predecessor.

Last Friday, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed an application challenging the appointment of 12 judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the basis that since 2017, Ebonyi State has not been represented in the FCT judiciary.

Justice Inyang Ekwo however held that the plaintiff, Azubuike Oko, a lawyer from Ebonyi, lacked the locus standi or legal standing to institute the matter.

Justice Ekwo also upheld the objection raised by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, counsel for the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Similar objections were raised by other defendants including the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oko had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/205/2024, challenged the non-inclusion of lawyers from Ebonyi State among the newly appointed judges of the High Court of the FCT.

He alleged that Ebonyi had been routinely excluded and marginalised with respect to the appointment of judges of the court by the FCT Chief Judge, the NJC and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

Oko claimed that it was the FCT Chief Judge who computed the names of qualified lawyers from selected states which he sent to the FJSC for recommendation to NJC for appointment by the President of Nigeria as judges of the court. He said the states from which the new appointment was made are Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara.

He alleged that currently, Oyo and Kogi “already had two serving judges in the FCT High Court, and the two states were given additional slots, to now have three judges, despite the fact that Ebonyi State has no single serving judge in the High Court of the FCT.”

Justice Ekwo, in his judgment held that the plaintiff was not saying that he had personal injury caused by the defendants or any other defendant in the case for which he sought remedy.

According to LAW AND SOCIETY, Justice Ekwo held that “the plaintiff only claimed that he is from Ebonyi, which had been routinely excluded and marginalised with respect to the appointment of judges of the High Court of FCT by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants (the CJN, NJC and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).”

CITY LAWYER recalls that Odinkalu has recently been a strident critic of Nigeria’s judiciary, arguing that it is bedeviled by corruption and opacity among other ills that impede justice delivery.

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The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) has congratulated the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), Chief Emeka Ngige SAN on his appointed by the Body of Benchers as a Life Bencher.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Ngige was last week elevated to the exclusive class of Life Benchers by the body at its recent quarterly meeting in Abuja.

In a letter obtained by CITY LAWYER and signed by BOSAN’s Secretary, Mr. Olumide Sofowora SAN, the body stated that “The conferment is indeed a worthy recognition of your distinctive legal career and excellence in the legal profession in Nigeria. All our members rejoice with you on your appointment.”

Continuing, BOSAN wrote: “We note with admiration that you have made remarkable contributions to our legal jurisprudence and that you have always provided invaluable leadership in the affairs of the legal profession. Your membership of key positions in the legal profession, which attest to this fact, include that of Chairman, Council of Legal Education since 2019 till date, vibrant membership of BOSAN, membership of the Body of Benchers, membership of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee from 2020 till date.”

Saying that it salutes Ngige’s “indomitable passion for public service in other aspects of our national life,” the elite body of senior lawyers noted that he has “always been exceptional in your philanthropic interventions which has manifested in the donations to the Nigerian Law School.”

The body urged the respected Bar Leader to “continue your good works and pray that the Almighty God will grant you many more years of invaluable service to our profession and the nation.”

A highly decorated senior lawyer and consummate litigator who is also a Director of Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace Airline Limited, CITY LAWYER recalls that Ngige was in October 2022 awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by Nigeria’s President in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession and national development.

Aside from numerous other accolades, Ngige was also honoured by the Rivers State Government with its highest award of “Grand Service Star of Rivers State” (GSSRS) in recognition of his contributions to the berthing of the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt.

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“The Remuneration Order is our tool for effective pay as Lawyer:” Afam Osigwe, SAN Champions fair remuneration for lawyers at the NBA GARKI Branch meeting

At the monthly meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association, Garki branch, graciously hosted by the esteemed friends of Afam Osigwe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Afam Osigwe took the podium to deliver a keynote speech on a topic of paramount importance: “Stepping Up Legal Practice: Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 to the Rescue.”

With eloquence and conviction, Afam Osigwe, SAN, underscored the critical significance of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023 as a powerful tool for ensuring that the hard-earned wages for the invaluable services rendered by legal practitioners are duly recognized and paid. He passionately emphasized that this order represents not just a mere administrative decree, but a fundamental mechanism for upholding the dignity and fair compensation of legal professionals.

In a stirring call to action, Afam Osigwe, SAN, urged his esteemed colleagues to join hands with the Remuneration Committee, which he has the honor of chairing, in a collective endeavor to ensure the just implementation and robust enforcement of the Remuneration Order. He highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration among legal practitioners to safeguard our professional rights and ensure that our contributions to the legal profession are duly acknowledged and compensated.

In his closing remarks, Afam Osigwe, SAN, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Garki branch for their warm hospitality and unwavering support. He also extended his appreciation to his esteemed colleagues for their receptiveness and engagement during his speech, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing the interests of legal practitioners and upholding the principles of fairness and justice.

As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination among the attendees, inspired by Afam Osigwe, SAN’s impassioned call to action. With his leadership and the collective efforts of the legal fraternity, there is a renewed sense of purpose in championing the cause of legal practitioners’ remuneration and ensuring a brighter future for the legal profession.

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Mohammed Tsav, as a lawyer, takes interest in the diverse areas of law and practice. His specialty and exposure have benefitted the bar in many fronts. His leadership style is legendary with uncommon accomplishments as attested when:

• Tsav was a member of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning during the tenure of President A. B. Mahmoud Esq. SAN.
• Tsav was a member of the LOC Committee for the 2019 NBA-AGC in Abuja-FCT.
• Tsav was the chairman of the Security Committee that ensured an incident free 2019 AGC in Abuja.
• Tsav recommended and got slots for juniors to attend the International Centre for Arbitration & Mediation Abuja certification course.

Nevertheless, as a successful agriculturist and consultant in agribusiness, he has opened a new vista in the legal profession and law practice in Nigeria. Mr. Tsav is an advocate against Genetically Modified Organisms, seeds, plants, and animals.

Armed with brilliant ideas, he put himself forward, advocating for the setting up of career advisory service for newly qualified lawyers.

He advocates for the development of agricultural law in Nigeria.

He shares his thoughts with the leadership of the bar on how the NBA Agriculture Committee needs to be upgraded into an Agribusiness section within the NBA. The Nigerian agriculture sector needs the input of lawyers. He reasons that there is a lot for lawyers to do in the agribusiness space, such as branding, intellectual property, standardisation policies, effective regulatory systems, etc.

He holds a firm belief on how lawyers can have significant input in the agricultural and agribusiness sector.

Tsav held with this conviction and approached President Olumide Akpata for the NBA Agribusiness framework.

Tsav is interested in and champions the development of new and young lawyers.

Interestingly, he is an expert in the law and practice of meetings. A rare opportunity toward advancing the cause of NBA in administration, management, and professionalism.

Olalekan I. Oladapo, Esq.
Former Secretary NBA Bwari and Member, Bar Council.

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May I sincerely and most heartily welcome all our Elders, Members of the Governing Council and Members of the Eastern Bar Forum to its 2nd Quarterly Meeting of the Year holding in the Ancient Coal City State of Enugu.

While wishing you safe journey and God’s guidance as you journey forth from your various Branches, I want to also wish you very rewarding deliberations.

It is our hope that EBF takes its rightful place as a strong Regional Body of Lawyers with strong impetus, temerity and will to champion critical causes affecting the zone negatively.

We wish you journey mercies and Divine Grace after your fruitful deliberations.

Dr. Gerald Abonyi
Pioneer and Past Chairman of NBA Obollo afor Branch.

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Goodwill Message to the NBAWF

May I profoundly felicitate and celebrate the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) on their 4th Annual Conference and International Women’s Day Event slated for 21st & 22nd March, 2024.

As one who holds this gender in the highest esteem, there is no gainsaying that I am more than proud of the progression of this forum and its achievements. It behoves us all therefore to pray for its sustainability.

My kind wishes are with you as I further urge for fruitful deliberations now and always.

Thank you ?.

SABASTINE U. ANYIA ESQ.
THINK 1ST VICE PRESIDENT, THINK SABASTINE

I humbly felicitate with the Governor of the Eastern Bar Forum Chief Aniekan Akpan, Governing Council members as well as the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association in Enugu State on the auspicious occasion of our first quarterly meeting of the year holding at the coal city state.

I encourage all members to actively participate, contribute and ensure that our discussions lead to meaningful outcome that benefits our legal community.

Wishing us all a productive and successful meeting. May our deliberations be guided by wisdom and commitment to justice.

Sabastine Anyia LL.M

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It is with immense joy and gladness that I welcome all Delegates and Participants to 4th Annual Conference of the NBA Women Forum (NBAWF).

I am aware that this year’s Annual Conference aligns with NBAWF’s vision of uniting female lawyers in order to strategize and position Nigerian female lawyers for global success.

It is noteworthy that this year’s Annual Conference is themed “Beyond the Balance Sheet: Redefining Success for Women in Law.” This theme is quite apposite, and aligns the 2024 IWD theme, “Inspire Inclusion.”

As you gather to examine the traditional metrics for evaluating female lawyers, demystifying them, and inspiring diverse definitions of a successful legal career, please count on me as a keen partner in this worthy endveaour.

I commend the leadership of the NBAWF for its foresight and wish you all fruitful deliberations and quality networking at the conference.

Dr. Gerald Abonyi
Pioneer Chairman, NBA Obolo-Afor Branch

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out the suit brought by dismissed Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) against Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa. 

Justice James Omotoso held that the NBA-SPIDEL Executive Committee lacked locus standi to institute the matter.

The erstwhile Executive Committee had sued Musawa and media personality Kenny Ogungbe for allegedly violating the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act.

Erstwhile NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins however told CITY LAWYER that he would “definitely” appeal the ruling in his personal capacity as a plaintiff in the matter, adding that he would also seek guidance from SPIDEL members on the way forward.

His words: “I have asked our lawyers to obtain a certified copy of the ruling as we do not want to rely on social media reports. We will study the ruling and decide on the next steps.

“As a preliminary assessment, I can tell you that we do not agree with the ruling. We know the matters we submitted to the court for adjudication and we are of the firm view that the case ought not to have been struck out.

“I represented myself and SPIDEL members in the suit. In my personal capacity, I will definitely appeal the ruling.

“Recall that the suit was approved by SPIDEL Executive Committee as well as SPIDEL members at a duly summoned Extra-ordinary General Meeting. We will go back to SPIDEL members to seek further guidance on the next line of action.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) had distanced itself from the lawsuit following allegation by NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN that the committee was undermining his authority. The NEC also dissolved the committee following a strong case made by Maikyau.

The committee members have however dragged Maikyau and NBA Trustees to court, challenging their dismissal from office.

NBA-SPIDEL had asked the court to compel the NYSC to nullify the certificates given to Musawa and Ogungbe, alleging that the issuance of the certificate was contrary to the provisions of NYSC Act Cap N84. The named plaintiffs in the suit are Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins and Ms. Funmi Adeogun.

The plaintiffs alleged that the mobilisation of Musawa and Ogungbe for the mandatory one-year national youth service after exceeding 30 years of age was unlawful, illegal, and an affront to patriotism. They also alleged that Musawa and Ogungbe’s purported national service and the certificates of service purportedly issued by the NYSC were null and void.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that they are not entitled to be engaged as employees by any employer of labour or services (including the Federal Government of Nigeria) without first possessing and presenting their certificates of national youth service.

They also want a declaration that the 1st defendant is not entitled to continue to hold the exalted office of Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any public office in Nigeria after violently violating with flagrant impunity the provisions of Sections 2(1), 12(1), and 13(1) of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap. N84, LFN 2004.”

But riisng from its quarterly meeting in Jos, NBA-NEC “ratified all the actions taken by the President with respect to SPIDEL and directed that all actions filed by John Aikpoko-Martins and Funmi Adeogun, purportedly on behalf of NBA-SPIDEL, be discontinued forthwith.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, the said lawsuits include: Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1285/2023 – John Aikpokpo-Martins Esq & 2 Ors v. Federal Government of Nigeria & 2 Ors.

“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/90/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq & Anor v. Ms. Hannatu Musa Musawa & 3 Ors.

“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/246/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins & Anor v. The Inspector General of Police & 3 Ors.

“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/247/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq & Anor v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor.

“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/248/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq & Anor v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor.”

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“As lawyers, we deserve our wages, and the Remuneration Committee is committed to this; Afam Osigwe declares at the Surulere Lawyers Forum March meeting”

At the March monthly meeting of the Surulere Lawyers Forum, hosted by the Friends of Afam Osigwe, SAN, Afam Osigwe, SAN, delivered a compelling keynote speech addressing the pressing issue of enhancing lawyers’ remuneration. He commenced his address by highlighting a pivotal development in the legal profession—the enactment of the Remuneration Order of 2023. This legislative milestone signifies a crucial stride towards standardizing remuneration practices for legal practitioners nationwide. The Remuneration Order establishes clear guidelines and standards for fee structures, aiming to foster fairness and transparency in the compensation of legal services.

Osigwe acknowledged the significance of the Remuneration Order but emphasized that it does not signify an immediate solution to the challenges surrounding remuneration. Instead, it provides a solid foundation upon which the legal community can address persistent obstacles to achieving fair and adequate compensation. He stressed that while the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable.

Drawing from his expertise, Osigwe outlined several strategies to navigate these challenges effectively. He advocated for the enforcement of the Remuneration Order of 2023, stating that legal professional bodies and associations must align their advocacy efforts with the objectives outlined in the Order. As mandated by the Nigerian Bar Association, the Remuneration Committee has been established, with him at its helm, tasked with ensuring the enforcement of the Order.

“Our role as legal practitioners extends beyond mere compliance; we are stewards of justice and guardians of professional integrity. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to actively partner with the Remuneration Committee to uphold the standards outlined in the Order. This partnership entails not only adhering to the prescribed fee structures but also reporting any instances of undercharging to the Committee.”

Under the Remuneration Order, undercharging is deemed professional misconduct, highlighting the seriousness with which adherence to the prescribed standards is regarded. By collaborating with the Remuneration Committee and reporting cases of undercharging, we not only safeguard the integrity of our profession but also ensure that all practitioners receive fair and equitable compensation for their services.

Expressing gratitude to the forum for the platform and their contributions to the advancement of the legal profession, Osigwe emphasized the importance of collaboration with the remuneration committee, which he chairs. He affirmed his commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the Remuneration Order of 2023 through collaborative efforts.

In conclusion, Afam Osigwe, SAN’s keynote speech served as a clarion call to legal practitioners to actively engage in advocating for fair remuneration practices, leveraging technology, and embracing value addition to overcome the challenges they face. His remarks highlighted the importance of collective action and collaboration in advancing the interests of legal professionals and upholding the integrity of the legal profession.

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NOTICE OF DEMISE OF MR. ABDULHAMID MOHAMMED, SAN

With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Abdulhamid Mohammed, SAN, who departed this life yesterday, March 19, 2024.

Mr. Abdulhamid Mohammed hailed from Gama ward in the Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria between 1985 and 1990 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991.

He dedicated himself to a career in legal practice and continued to enhance his professional qualifications through various certifications.

In 1994, Abdulhamid Mohammed established his law firm, Messrs Hammart & Co. He actively participated in numerous legal committees and associations, serving as a Member of the Litigation Committee and the ADR Committee of the International Bar Association in 2009. Additionally, he held roles such as Secretary of the Financial Committee at the Abuja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association in 1995, and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in 2010.

Through his dedication and hard work, he earned the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2021.

He will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs today, March 20, 2024. The Jana’iza prayer for Mr. Abdulhamid Mohammed SAN will be held at the National Mosque, Abuja, at 10:00 am.

We deeply mourn his passing and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones during this challenging time. We pray for Almighty God to grant him al-Jannah Firdaus and protect all his loved ones.

Olumide Sofowora SAN
Secretary

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Janada International Center for Arbitration & Mediation Hosts Webinar on Jurisdictional Dynamics: Courts and Anti-Arbitration Injunctions

Janada International Center for Arbitration and Mediation (JICAM) recently hosted a webinar on the topic “Jurisdictional Dynamics: Courts and Anti-Arbitration Injunctions.” The event which was a hybrid was held on the 8th of March, 2024 and delved deep into the intricate interplay between courts and anti-arbitration injunctions, shedding light on their implications and ramifications.

The event, which was chaired by the Chairman of the JICAM Governing Board, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta, OFR, FCIArb (RTD) and moderated by Prof Paul Obo Idornigie, SAN, C.Arb a Member of the JICAM Board and Ms. Linda Shaljaba, JICAM’s General Manager, was an educative and enlightening event.

Professor Emilia Onyema, FCIArb from the University of London gave the keynote speech. Through nuanced analysis and real-world case studies, the panelists, Isaiah Bozimo, SAN and Marx Ikongbeh, Esq, MCIArb navigated through the complexities surrounding jurisdictional challenges and the exercise of judicial authority in arbitration matters.

Comments and contributions were also made by distinguished guests which included Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN ( Chairman, Janada International Center for Arbitration and Mediation Board of Trustees & Former Chairman, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Abuja Chapter) , Mrs Dian Okoko FCIArb ( a former Member of the JICAM Board) and Dr. Chikwendu Madumere, Ph.D (Member Board of Trustees, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators)

“Professor Emilia Onyema, FCIArb from the University of London gave the keynote speech. Through nuanced analysis and real-world case studies, the panelists, Isaiah Bozimo, SAN and Marx Ikongbeh, Esq, MCIArb navigated through the complexities surrounding jurisdictional challenges and the exercise of judicial authority in arbitration matters.”

As the webinar drew to a close, participants departed armed with fresh insights and perspectives, poised to navigate the intricate labyrinth of jurisdictional dynamics and anti-arbitration injunctions with newfound clarity and confidence. The event served as a testament to the enduring relevance of arbitration in an ever-evolving legal landscape, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone of modern dispute resolution.

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Between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State: A Cause for Justice.

The sad news of the peace-keeping officers and soldiers that were reportedly ambushed and killed by some youths in Delta State while on peace-keeping mission is heart breaking and condemnable.

I sympathise with the Nigerian Army and the family members of the gallant officers and soldiers who were killed in this unfortunate incident.

Nevertheless, the reprisal attacks that followed was equally shocking and condemnable. The entire communities in the crisis area where the suspected killers of the officers and soldiers appeared to have launched their attacks were reportedly razed down by the military.

I sympathise with the communities and the entire Delta State for this tragic event and the monumental loss of lives and property.

I vehemently condemn the reprisal attacks and urge the Nigerian government to act with great speed to track down the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice.

There is urgent need by all the stakeholders to find truce and the lasting solution to the crisis. It is expedient to enjoin the state actors and non-state actors as well to observe the rule of law and explore the available legal remedies to settle their disputes.

Mohammed I. Tsav
Former Chairman, NBA Bwari

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Embattled and suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon has asked a Federal High Court sitting at Abuja to strike out the amended charge against him, alleging that it was brought by a fake lawyer and prosecutor.

In a Motion on Notice obtained by CITY LAWYER and filed by his team of lawyers led by Chief Joe Agi SAN, the embattled law teacher alleged that he has since discovered that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is using a fake PhD holder and professor as its lawyers. The motion is slated for hearing today.

A preliminary search by CITY LAWYER on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) “Find a Lawyer” portal however indicated that one “OSUOBENI, EKOI AKPONIMISINGHA” with Supreme Court Number 079644 is registered on the database of licensed lawyers.

The motion is brought pursuant to Section 106 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Section 2(1) and 24 of the Legal Practitioners 2023, Section 6(6)(a)&(b) and 36 of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as Amended and under the inherent Jurisdiction of the Honorable Court.

Among the prayers sought by the defendant are: “An order of court striking out the amended charge in this case same being incompetent and preferred by a person whose name is not on the roll of legal Practitioners in Nigeria Pursuant to section 2 of the legal Practitioner Acts and thus robbing this Court of its jurisdiction,”

“An order of Court striking out all the appearance of Joshua E. Alobo from the prosecution Counsel for appearing as a private Legal Practitioner in a criminal case without the fiat of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation,” and 

“An order of Court referring both Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha and Joshua E. Alobo to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for answering and caused to printed on their process the title “Dr.” “Professor” when they do not have the academic qualifications to show for the titles thereby misrepresenting themselves to the public and bringing legal profession to ridicule and shame”.

The grounds upon which the application is brought are that: “The amended charge in this case is incompetent and preferred by a person whose name is not on the roll of Legal practitioner in Nigeria Pursuant to Section 2 of the Legal Practitioner Act and thus robbing this court of its jurisdiction.

“The amended charge was referred by one Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, a person whose name is not on the roll of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria Pursuant to Section 2 of the Legal Practitioners Act.

“That Joshua E. Alobo who appears for the prosecution as Counsel as a private Legal Practitioner in a criminal case does not have the fiat of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.

“That both Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha and Joshua E. Alobo answer in this court and cause to printed on their processes the title “Dr.” “Professor” when they do not have the academic qualifications to show for the titles thereby misrepresenting themselves to the public and bringing legal profession to ridicule and shame.

“That a grant or allowance of this application will aid the cause of justice and also aid the mandate of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission established to fight corruption in all sphere of our nation.”

The matter has been slated for hearing on the 19th day of March, 2024 before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

ICPC is prosecuting Ndifon on four (4) counts charge bordering on sexual harassment, official corruption and abuse of office contrary to sections 8, 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

CITY LAWYER recalls that though Ndifon had urged the court to strike out the charge through an earlier “No case to answer” motion, the court threw out the motion and directed him to enter his defence.

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BY MUTALUBI OJO ADEBAYO

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S JERKING OF THE 2024 BUDGET BY N1. 2 TRILLION

The session at the Senate over alleged padding of the 2024 Budget has clearly shown that the greatest impediment to the growth and the development of this country are our National parliamentarians.

What is the justification of the National Assembly for the N1. 2 trillion jerking of the budget?

The “topped up” sum has been clandestinely brought up under the various constituency projects for the lawmakers. Truth be told constituency projects are the euphemism for the ways and manners the parliamentarians got their own “fair share” or loot of our national patrimony. Several frivolous projects like solar street lights, erection of boreholes, district roads construction, building of skill acquisition centres etc , all which will work or function for barely brief periods would be executed under those heads. Some of them will even do some caricature empowerment programmes that will entail spending a very insignificant ratio of the humongous sum they actually collected for the projects. In all, the people and the country are the losers.

Instead of the parliamentarians to appropriate funds for monumental developmental and impactful projects that would be of tremendous and lasting legacies to the people and the country, they prefer to shortchange and cheat the people and the country through those instalmental fleecing of our Commonwealth vide stealing by tricks called constituency project.

If not, how reasonable is it that while a great institution like TETFUND got N800 billion in the budget, a whooping sum of N1. 2trillion are shared and distributed among the law makers for the provision of sundry items like provision of street lights, bore holes etc. that would even be poorly executed and of which the large chunk of funds earmarked would end up in private pockets.

The wastefulness , irresponsibility and insensitivity of that appropriation may not be fully understood and felt unless you situate it in the context that great institutions like TETFUND which services some critical developmental and research projects of all the nation’s federal and states tertiary institutions got N800 billion whereas the sum of N1. 2 trillion was shared as bazzars by the lawmakers among themselves and inserted in the budget by themselves and for themselves.

My take however is that the National Assembly are not to be blamed wholly, but the present executive arm of government and especially the President which appended his signature to such an anti-people budget. That act alone has convinced me that the present government has nothing good or tangible to offer our people and and the country, in terms of development and real growth or perhaps that it is a government of “anything go” or a government of business as usual and it is very sad.

To me, this is a government of renewed forlon hope, if we won’t deceive ourselves.

• Adebayo was formerly an Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State

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Executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) who were recently dismissed in a controverial National Executive Council (NEC) resolution have dragged NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN to court over the matter.

In an originating summons obtained by CITY LAWYER, the Executive Committee members are asking for “An order setting aside the purported dissolution of the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law by the 1^stand 2^nddefendants made on the 29^th day of February, 2024 same being unconstitutional, null and void ab initio and of no effect whatsoever.”

Also sued alongside Maikyau at the Delta State High Court, Effurun are NBA General Secretary, Mr. Adesina Adegbite and the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association. The matter has been set down for hearing on May 6, 2024.

CITY LAWYER gathered that though the claimants had earlier filed an application for interim reliefs, the application was withdrawn when the matter came up today in favour of speedy hearing of the main lawsuit.

Brought on behalf of the Executive Committee members by Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins and Ms. Funmi Adeogun, the claimants also urged for “An order directing the 1^stdefendant to pay the sum of N10,000,000 to the claimants as exemplary and general damages for the embarrassment caused them by his unconstitutional action.

“An order directing the 1^stdefendant to publish on a full page of two (2) national daily newspapers a letter of apology to the claimants for the embarrassment caused them by his actions.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1^stand 3^rddefendants either by themselves and/or through their agents, officers etc. from further interfering with the tenure of office of the claimants as the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law.”

The legal team for the Executive Committee comprises fiery human rights activists including Messrs Maxwell Opara, Inibehe Effiong, George Nwabunike, Felix Akpowowo, and Mohammed Danjuma among others.

In the alternative prayers by the claimants, they urged for “A declaration that the failure of the defendants to recuse the 1^stdefendant from presiding over the dispute between himself and the claimants at the Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Council Meeting held on the 29^th day of February, 2024 in Jos amounts to a violent breach of the fundamental right of the claimants to fair hearing as guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and/or runs violently contrary to the principle of natural justice to wit: nemojudex in casuasua.

“AN ORDER setting aside the purported dissolution of the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law by the 1^stand 2^nddefendants made on the 29^th day of February, 2024 same being null and voidab initio and of no effect whatsoever for breaching the claimants’ right to fair hearing as guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“An order directing the 1^stdefendant to pay the sum of N10,000,000 to the claimants as exemplary and general damages for the embarrassment caused them by the breach of their fundamental right to fair hearing by the 1^st and 2^nddefendants.

“An order directing the 1^stdefendant to publish on a full page of two (2) national daily newspapers a letter of apology to the claimants for the embarrassment caused them by his unconstitutional actions.”

The Claimants also raised several questions for the court to resolve. Among the declarations sought are: “A declaration that by the provisions of the constitution of the 3^rddefendant, and the uniform byelaws for sections of the 3^rd defendant, the Claimants (the executive committee of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL)) were elected into office by the members of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law of the 3^rd defendant for a term certain of 2 years.

“A declaration that by the provisions of the constitution of the 3^rddefendant and its byelaw for Sections, the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association lacks the power to remove the claimants from office as the elected executive committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law and/or the power to dissolve the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law.

“A declaration that the purported dissolution of the elected Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law is unlawful, utra vires the powers of the 1^stand 2^nd defendants and is therefore null and void abinito and of no effect however.

“A declaration that the act of the 1^stdefendant in presiding over the dispute between himself and the claimants at the 3^rd defendant’s, National Executive meeting in Jos on the 29^th of February, 2024 amounts to an abuse of office and power and therefore very reprehensible and unbecoming of the holder of the office of the President of the 3^rd defendant.”

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The job of the Vice President can sometimes be fleeting. To some, the office is simply an alternative to that of the President. To others, it is the office that shadows that of the President. Yet to others still, the Vice President is a “Staff” of the President, especially in our clime.

However, the office of the Vice president can be that bridge of policy between the President and the rest of the hierarchy of any Organization. When zealousness sometimes pushes executive members to heated arguments, the Vice President can be that bridge that will evoke an ambient working relationship among all Executives. I believe this office has been underplayed and misinterpreted for far too long. I believe that this office can be the litmus test for good governance and conscious administration of necessary reforms. I believe the Vice President can be more.

Some of the Roles of the Vice president includes:

Communication and listening: The vice president’s job description requires knowing how to communicate with many audiences, including other members of the leadership team.

They must be available and willing to listen to any problem team members may face and help them to overcome any obstacle.

Public speaking and presentation: Vice presidents are often responsible for brainstorming ways to change and innovate the organization. They may regularly present ideas in front of small or large groups. They must hold strong public speaking and presentation skills to keep audiences engaged and interested in their organization.

“I believe this office has been underplayed and misinterpreted for far too long. I believe that this office can be the litmus test for good governance and conscious administration of necessary reforms. I believe the Vice President can be more”

Critical thinking and problem-solving: Since challenges arise regularly within an organization, the vice president might be the person team members rely on to help solve the problem. They should be able to think quickly to address issues and prevent any problems from affecting the organization.

Leadership and drive: Many vice presidents motivate teams to provide quality work and reach organizational goals. Being an effective leader and developing trusting relationships among colleagues can allow Team members to feel encouraged to submit valuable ideas and strategy for Research and Development within an organization.

Assisting in strategic goal setting: The president, vice president and other leaders may gather and set strategic goals for the organization. Once these goals are set, the vice president may work with the respective Teams to ensure they properly implement them.

Determining Organizational success and deciding on improvements: Vice presidents stay updated on Global best practices. They compare these results to the success of the organization and develop strategies to improve so it can stay ahead of the changing times.

Dr. Promise Iwezor
Former Chairman NBA Isiokpo Branch
#Officeofthe1stVice
#Buildingbridges
#SucceedingTogether

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Fate is an intricate decider of human life. So it was with an Enugu-based lawyer, Ellias Ugwu, 60, who went to rescue his kidnapped cousin in Kogi State, last week. His cousin, Alexander Ugwu, 53, a businessman at Akpanya, Benue State, was going back to his base in a commercial bus when they encountered heavily armed Fulani herdsmen who blocked the highway while kidnapping.

Fate is an intricate decider of human life. So it was with an Enugu-based lawyer, Ellias Ugwu, 60, who went to rescue his kidnapped cousin in Kogi State, last week. His cousin, Alexander Ugwu, 53, a businessman at Akpanya, Benue State, was going back to his base in a commercial bus when they encountered heavily armed Fulani herdsmen who blocked the highway while kidnapping.

His abductors later called demanding N10m. Though the ransom was later reduced to N4m, the lot fell on the Nsukka legal luminary to move into the bush and rescue Alexander. This, he succeeded in doing after engaging another of his friend, to accompany him to the den of the kidnappers.

Tragically, as they were joyously returning home, calling friends and family members to share their joy, their excitement was cut short and turned into sorrow. A team of policemen who were on the trail of bandits that earlier raided some police stations and banks at Anyigba, a nearby town, accosted them and the legal practitioner who was driving his car was shot dead. Alexander, the kidnapped victim, who was at the back of the car when his uncle’s life was cut short, in this interview, gave vivid details of how the heart-wrenching incident happened. Excerpts:

How I was captured

“To commence my travel from Iheakpu-oka village to Anyigba on March 2, 2024, I boarded a vehicle going to Ejule from an Army checkpoint situated between Aloma and Ejule. Precisely, the village called Iboko. While on our way, we encountered heavily armed herdsmen who were stopping vehicles, shooting and kidnapping people.

They kidnapped everyone in the car (six persons), including the driver. And we were all taken into the bush. The incident happened around 6:20 PM that Saturday, and I was there till Monday morning when they began to request for ransom.

Ransom

Before my phone went off, the first relation that I could speak to over the phone was my cousin, Elias Ugwu, whose father is my father’s elder brother. I called him and told him the kidnappers were requesting for N10 million because, according to them, once an individual is from the Eastern part of the country, he or she must be wealthy.
I explained to them that I didn’t have money. They countered, saying if I didn’t have money, my relatives had.

Meanwhile, they collected a ransom of N130,000 from the driver’s family. Also, they collected N200,000 as ransom from the family of a first-year student at Kogi State University, KSU, who is from Ogugu, in Kogi State.

Shocked by the ransom that they (driver and student) were asked to pay, I asked why my case was different.
However, If anyone talked, they would beat the hell out of the person. They later reduced my ransom to N4million. I was given the privilege to communicate the ransom to my uncle, who informed all my relatives including Iheakpuoka community in Anyigba about their demand. When the money was finally raised, the kidnappers asked them to bring the ransom before they could rescue me.

Though my uncle was to come on Friday to pay the ransom and rescue me, he couldn’t make it. But when my captors finally called him at around 5 pm, he said he was at Ejule. The kidnappers then told him what to buy for them. They told him to buy Nkpurummiri (hard drug), water and N10,000 pack of energy drinks.

Around 7 pm on Friday, they called him, and he said he couldn’t come out at that time to Aloma, that he is an old man and he was afraid. They said he should sleep somewhere, that the next day they would tell him when and where to bring the ransom and the items.
On Saturday morning, 9th of March, we usually take long-distance walks with these kidnappers inside the bush barefooted. It is from one bush to another. On Friday night we moved to another village called Abeji…..I can’t remember the real name. In fact, we didn’t even know where we were till in the morning when we asked, they told us where we were. We started communicating with my uncle unknown to us that there was a bank robbery on Thursday in Ayingba and this was happening on Saturday morning.

So, the villagers who saw my uncle and his friend that were coming to rescue me, driving around, were the ones that called the police informing them that there is a vehicle that is roaming around the community through an escape road behind the university.
So, the policemen came and and laid ambush. They parked their vehicle in the bush close to the road. When we were coming back, we saw a police vehicle packed distantly and we were happily approaching the vehicle. The next thing we heard was ‘stop’and then the sound of gunshots and my brother was hit on his head. He lost control, the vehicle ran into the bush. That was when one of the security people said they are police officers. I used a cloth to tie my uncle’s head because he was bleeding profusely. They tried to pull out the vehicle but we could not. The police then used something to attach it to their Hilux to pull out the vehicle.

We already told them who we were, but it was already too late. They had finished searching the vehicle expecting to see a huge sum of money. The kind of clothes I wore made them realise that I was a victim of kidnap, they became tired. They took us to Maria Goretti Hospital in Ayingba. When we got to the hospital, the officer in charge told his men not to allow us to speak to anyone. They handcuffed and took us to the area command’s office. My uncle was admitted. It was on Sunday morning that he died.

At about 11 am the following day, they came with their Hiliux and took us to Area one police Station, Lokoja. That was where we were tortured and questioned, and later wrote our statements. They said we were armed robbers I said no, I am. a kidnap victim. The man who came with my uncle to pay ransom asked them to bring out the money they took from our vehicle, that the money was withdrawn from Nsukka, Zenith bank, not Anyingba. Luckily they brought out N300,000 from the vehicle, the teller zenith bank, Nsukka was boldly written on paper used in folding the money. I brought out the clothes that I wore all through my captivity in the kidnapper’s den, that was when they believed we were not robbers.

When we finished writing our statements, they took us into a cell. We slept in the cell till Monday morning when they started taking us from one office to another. They put on camera while interviewing us. Then, the officer in charge asked them not to put us inside the cell again. He then asked us to call our relatives to come and bail us. That was how we were bailed on Tuesday morning.

DID YOU PAY FOR BAIL?
No, we didn’t pay a dime. because one of the people who came for my bail is very popular and was communicating directly with the Commissioner of Police.

WHILE IN THE HOSPITAL, WHAT DID THE WOUNDED BARRISTER SAY?
Immediately the police shot him, he was unconscious, he was breathing heavily, he didn’t say anything.

POLICE SAID THEY STOPPED YOU PEOPLE BUT YOU FAILED TO OBEY THEM?
The police ambushed us, they hid their vehicle inside the bush and laid ambush. If you see the barrister’s vehicle, you will understand better. The car glass was not rolled up and the shot that killed him was fired from that side. The man that released the bullets was being called Sampolo by his colleagues. They now asked us to take my uncle’s corpse and vehicle back to our place.

WHILE YOU WERE IN THE KIDNAPPERS DEN, WERE YOU BEING FED?
They were not giving us food. We were eating only cashew for the eight days we were inside the bush. I could not go to the toilet for once. Every night, we must trek for three to four hours in the bushes.

HOW OLD ARE THE KIDNAPPERS?
They are young men, who are under age thirty. If they slap you, you will think it is from a woman.
They have sophisticated weapons.

HOW WAS THE RANSOM PAID?
I don’t know when they arrived, but they released eight of us that morning. When my uncle came with his friend, Chidi Aneke, they asked him to kneel down. They ordered his friend to slap him. Chidi did. They corked the gun and told him to slap him very well and he did. When they came out from the vehicle, they carried the cash into the bush, my uncle knelt till they confirmed the cash. That was when they released and handed me over to him. It was after that, as we were coming home and making calls, happily informing our people that I have been freed, this incident happened.

• This report was originally published by VANGUARD newspaper

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Adieu, Great One: Tribute to D. O. C. Ezeigwe 

I traveled with the Enugu Branch Hummer Bus in 2015 I believe, to the Sokoto NEC meeting. I joined the Bus from my Chamber/Office in Obollo Afor where I was picked up by the Leadership of Enugu Bar.

My “Friday Man” Arthur Elvis was there (became EBF Guv later). The Chairman of Enugu Branch then was H. O. Eya, now his Lordship. He was in-charge and he provided and ignited the required conviviality for the journey.

Chief DOC Ezeigwe was the ” Garrison Commander.” He beckoned on God before the commencement of the journey to lead us to and fro without any difficulty. And so it was, for God was with us.

And so it was that we traversed the length and breadth of the Northwest, from Abuja to Zaria, Funtua to Gusua to Zamfara to Sokoto, no unsavoury incident. A journey to remember.

Chief DOC Ezeigwe has a kind word for everyone. He was not created with bile. A NEC to remember.

Dr. Gerald Abonyi.

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