legal diary News

There is something increasingly unsettling about Nigeria’s political environment as we approach the 2027 general elections. Political competition appears to be giving way, gradually but unmistakably, to political intolerance. Threats, intimidation, bullying and open hostility are becoming disturbingly familiar features of our political discourse. This should worry every Nigerian. The campaign season may only be gathering momentum, but some of the language and conduct already on display suggest that the political temperature is rising dangerously. One of the early signals came from Ebonyi State, where the Governor, while addressing newly sworn-in local government chairmen, was reported to have warned them not to permit defeat in their respective constituencies. The message appears to have been taken seriously by some of the beneficiaries of the new political order. One of the newly sworn-in chairmen, Eze Paul Ituma of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, was reported to have decla...

…recounts journey from Political Science to Law, student leadership and enduring friendships Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN , has described the University of Nigeria as an institution that profoundly shaped his intellectual development, character, friendships and eventual journey into law and public service. Ubani made the remarks while sharing reminiscences of his university years at a gathering of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter , where he delivered a reflective presentation titled “The University That Made Me: Reminiscences of My Sojourn at the University of Nigeria, 1983–1989.” Taking his audience through a six-year journey spanning the Nsukka and Enugu campuses, the former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said his university experience went far beyond obtaining a degree. “There are places we visit, places we live in, and places that live in us. For me, the University of Nigeria is not me...

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, has urged women of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Owerri  to draw their strength from Christ and deploy their God-given gifts in the service of the Church, family and society. Dr. Ubani made the call while delivering the keynote address, “The Source of Our Strength,” at the Annual Women’s Conference of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Naze, Owerri. Taking his text from Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”,  Ubani cautioned against interpreting the scripture as a declaration of human self-sufficiency. Rather, he described it as a testimony to the sufficiency of God’s grace in every circumstance. According to him, true Christian strength is not the absence of weakness, difficulties or vulnerability, but the ability to remain firmly anchored in Christ when confronted by the challenges of life. He particularly challenged women, who often ca...

The Forum of Chairmen of Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has paid a courtesy visit to the President of the NBA, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb., reaffirming its commitment to a productive partnership with the Association’s national leadership. During the meeting, the FCT Branch Chairmen pledged to maintain constructive engagement and close collaboration with the President and her administration in advancing the collective interests of the Bar. The Forum expressed confidence in the leadership of Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and assured her of its support towards the effective implementation of the programmes and objectives of her administration. Particular emphasis was placed on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of lawyers, strengthening professional development and creating greater opportunities for members across the various branches. The Chairmen further underscored the importance of...

In a significant human rights intervention, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), and Chairman of the Branch Human Rights Committee, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq., has facilitated the release of two Inmates, Bali Joshua and Paul Sunday, who had been in custody since 2023 in connection with an alleged homicide. Upon assuming office on 31st July 2026, Ikemefuna Onyeka, Esq. was briefed on the prolonged detention of the two individuals, whose matter had remained unresolved for more than three years. Although the Human Rights Committee of the Branch had not yet been formally inaugurated, the Vice Chairman immediately took steps to address the matter, demonstrating an early commitment to the protection of fundamental human rights and access to justice. Following his intervention, Dr. Amin Abdulhaleem, Esq. and Joseph Okolo, Esq. were engaged to commence appropriate legal proceedings for the enforcement of the inmates’ fundamental rights. The...

Vows Independent, Bolder Bar, Better Welfare and Tough Action on Abusive Lawyers The newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb , has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda focused on lawyers’ welfare, economic empowerment, electoral reform, accountability, inclusion and the independence of the Bar. Badejo-Okusanya, who was sworn in as the 33rd President of the NBA in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, also announced that Abuja will host the 2027 NBA Annual General Conference , with further details on the dates, theme and planning committee to be released subsequently. In her inaugural address titled “From the Call to the Cause,” the new NBA President declared that her administration would be guided by the principle, “Members First. Always,” with a commitment to building what she described as a “Bolder Bar” where lawyers can earn better, live better and practise better. Her inauguration makes her the second wom...