legal diary News

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed an appeal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and upheld a ₦12 million compensation awarded to Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, over his unlawful detention for 21 days in 2019. The appellate court also awarded ₦300,000 costs against the commission. Ubani was detained after securing administrative bail for a client accused of jumping bail. Despite a court order directing the EFCC to either release him conditionally or charge him with an alleged offence, the commission failed to comply. The development prompted Ubani’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, to institute a fundamental rights enforcement suit on his behalf. On January 5, 2022, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, ruled in Ubani’s favour and awarded him ₦12 million compensation for the violation of his fundamental rights. Dissatisfied with the judgment, the EFCC approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the tri...

  Legal Diary News | 19 October 2026 The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reaffirmed the supremacy of constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights, holding that statutory pre-action notice requirements cannot prevent individuals from approaching the courts to enforce their fundamental rights. The appellate court made the pronouncement in a suit challenging certain provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, in which the National Assembly was restored as a party to the proceedings. The judgment, delivered on 17 September 2026 and reported on 19 October 2026, underscores the constitutional right of citizens to seek judicial protection whenever their fundamental rights are allegedly violated. Constitutional Rights Take Precedence Over Statutory Restrictions The Court of Appeal held that the failure to serve a statutory three-month pre-action notice cannot operate as a barrier to proceedings instituted for the enforcement of fundamental right...

Legal Diary News | 19 October 2026 A group of non-litigation legal practitioners has reportedly petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) over allegations involving the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, following a controversy surrounding the recognition of the purported "Blue Silks" rank. The development has generated concerns over professional recognition, regulatory authority and disciplinary procedures within Nigeria's legal profession. According to a report published by The Leader on 18 October 2026, the petitioning lawyers raised allegations concerning the treatment of legal practitioners associated with the controversial designation. The dispute reportedly centres on the use and recognition of the so-called Blue Silks title, which has become a subject of contention within the legal community. Questions Over Professional Recognition and Regulatory Authority The controversy raises i...

Legal Diary News | Monday, 19 October 2026 The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called on legal practitioners across Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, defend constitutional supremacy and remain steadfast in promoting the rule of law. Fagbemi made the call during the commissioning of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko Branch Bar and Library Centre, where he emphasised the indispensable role of lawyers in strengthening democratic governance, protecting fundamental rights and sustaining public confidence in the justice system. The Attorney-General stressed that the legal profession occupies a strategic position in safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring that government institutions operate within the confines of the law. He urged lawyers to discharge their professional responsibilities with integrity, competence and a strong sense of justice, noting the importance of e...

Standing Together Against Abuse, Early Marriage and Exploitation to Safeguard Her Rights and Empower Her Future By Yakubu Philemon, SAN Chairman, NBA Abuja Branch The NBA Abuja Branch joins the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child. This occasion reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the rights, dignity and future of every girl and to create a society where she can grow, learn and fulfil her potential. It also calls us to reflect on the gap between the protections promised by law and the realities many girls experience. Child abuse, early marriage, exploitation, forced labour and barriers to education continue to deny girls opportunities to thrive. These injustices demand our attention and action. Every girl deserves a childhood free from violence and fear. She deserves access to education, equal opportunities and the ability to make informed choices about her future. Her voice must be heard, her talents nurtured and her am...

The above decision of the apex Court has, no doubt, generated considerable discussion among politicians, lawyers and legal commentators. Interpretations have varied, with different opinions being expressed about the true implication of the judgment. The certified true copy of the judgment is not yet handy, for reasons that are largely administrative. What has prompted this intervention, however, is an interpretation offered by a colleague which, with respect, calls for further examination. I have therefore restricted myself, at this stage, to the ratios and holdings consistently reported by the major newspapers and television houses, pending the availability of the full judgment. What is presently not in contest is that the recent decision of the Supreme Court in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, SC/CR/495/2026, has set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal and restored the legal validity of Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which the Court of...