J-K Gadzama LLP held its annual Moot and Mock Trials for the 2023 Nigeria Law School Externs as part of its continued efforts to mentor young and upcoming lawyers

The J-K Gadzama LLP law firm under the leadership of foremost Bar Laeder, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, held its 2023 Moot and Mock trial competition for externs from the Nigerian Law School.

The competition is in fulfilment of the commitment by Gadzama to give back to the Legal Profession and invest in the future of the profession, having commissioned the Hon. Justice Nikki Tobi Moot Court to provide an avenue for Nigerian Law School students and students from various universities to participate in Moot and Mock trial competitions.

The Moot Trial Competition was presided over by Hon. Justice Rakiya B. Haastrup, Justice of the National Industrial Court. The competition also witnessed the presence of distinguished and prominent guests such as Mela Audu Nunghe SAN, Mr. Daniel Tela (the secretary of the Body of Benchers), Dr. Beatrice Shuwa and Dr. Emmanuel Olowononi, both serving lecturers at the Nigerian Law School.

The Court proceedings were handled by 6 (Six) externs, out of the 20 externs posted to J-K Gadzama LLP for their Mandatory Chamber Attachment from Nigerian Law School – divided into two teams for the Claimant and the Defendant. The Claimant’s team was represented by its lead counsel, Maryam Mohammed, alongside Anieobiongo Offonmbuk Moffat and Aisha Bala. The Defence team was represented by its lead counsel, Araka Anyakora, alongside Zainab Abdulsalam, and Ennah Zagi.

The host, Gadzama appreciated the speakers and special guests for honouring the invitation and taking out time encourage and impact the lives of the lawyers to be. He intimated the audience that it was the firm’s custom and practice to organize a Moot and Mock trial yearly for Nigerian Law School Students and also for law students of various universities to enable them to learn the practical and ethical aspects of court practice.

Out of passion for the development of upcoming lawyers, the Moot Court was named after his Lordship, Hon. Justice Nikki Tobi JSC (of blessed memory), a former Dean of Law to Chief J-K Gadzama SAN at the University of Maiduguri, his revered alma matter. He further stated that the Court was to be utilized for trial competitions and for free. He expressed his admiration for the Nigerian Law School externs stating that they had performed considerably well and this was no doubt a testament to the efforts of their lecturers at the Nigeria Law School.

The competition which lasted for about 3 (three) hours was televised and also delivered via virtual link for Law School Externs all over to witness and follow the proceedings.

The Secretary to the Body of Benchers, Mr. Daniel Tela Esq., on behalf of Mary Peter-Odili CFR, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, commended the efforts of Chief J-K Gadzama SAN in his bid to impact young and upcoming lawyers to be citing this among many other reasons for the appointment of Chief J-K Gadzama SAN as the Chairman of the Pioneer Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers.

Dr. Beatrice Shuwa and Dr. Emmanuel Olowoloni, lecturers from the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus also expressed their profound gratitude to the firm and its Founding/Principal Partner for organizing the exercise and for the opportunity granted to the Nigerian Law School Externs to participate in the academic yet rewarding exercise.

Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN also commended the efforts of Chief J-K Gadzama SAN for his large heart towards mentorship and tutelage ,being a long-standing friend of the Law firm and the Law School Externs as well as citing their performance as outstanding and reflective of their commitment to excel in their studies.

The firm’s Dispute Resolution Head and Partner, Darlington Onyekwere Esq., also commended the Law School Externs who participated in every capacity. He noted particularly the zeal and preparation with which they handled the proceedings and he cited that this was a clear indication that they will no doubt succeed in the legal practice.

Hon. Justice Rakiya B. Haastrup in giving the closing remarks commended Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN for his tireless effort in ensuring the mentorship of young and upcoming lawyers and lawyers to be. She further commended the Law School Externs stating that they had done excellently well and outperformed beyond expected. She expressed surprise that they were only students from the Nigerian Law School on externship at the firm. She emphasized the fact that their performance was a reflection of the undeniable fact that they had indeed garnered the requisite practical knowledge as intended by the Nigerian Law School.

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