Legal Diary News

Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja proudly celebrates one of its distinguished members, Chief Mrs. Ngozi Theresa Ikenga, KSJ, on the conferment of the revered traditional title of Ikpemaeziokwu-Akazudia I of Issele-Azagba Kingdom. The prestigious honour is a fitting recognition of a life defined by integrity, excellence, and selfless service. It reflects Chief Ikenga's unwavering commitment to justice, the legal profession, and humanity, as well as her enduring contributions to nation-building and community development. A respected legal practitioner and accomplished leader, Chief Mrs. Ikenga has distinguished herself through her exceptional service within the legal community. Her remarkable leadership, particularly in advancing the rights and welfare of women and children, has earned her admiration and respect across the Bar and beyond. Her dedication to fairness, compassion, and the rule of law continues to inspire colleagues and younger members of the profession. The conferment of th...

There appears to be some misunderstanding regarding the recent communication from the Registrar of the Supreme Court concerning the use of the title "Barrister."  Some have interpreted the directive to mean that it is now unlawful for anyone to address a legal practitioner as "Barrister." With respect, I do not believe that is the correct interpretation. In my view, the directive is essentially an administrative and professional guideline regulating how legal practitioners should describe themselves in official documents, particularly court processes and formal correspondence. It is directed at lawyers in the conduct of their professional practice, not at members of the public in their everyday interactions. The circular does not create a criminal offence. It does not make it a crime for anyone to call a lawyer "Barrister," nor does it render a lawyer liable simply because another person chooses to address him or her by ...

The recent publication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the personal particulars and credentials of candidates for the 2027 Presidential Election has once again reignited public debate over the constitutional educational qualification required for election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The immediate issue that has dominated public discourse, particularly regarding one of the candidates, is whether a presidential aspirant who submits only a university degree, without attaching his Primary School Leaving Certificate or Senior Secondary School Certificate, has thereby violated the Constitution or the Electoral Act. This question calls for a careful legal analysis rather than partisan commentary or political sentiment. Section 131(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that a person shall be qualified for election to the office of President if: "He has been educat...

The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), Mr. Yakubu Philemon, SAN, has reaffirmed his commitment to building a stronger, more united, and forward-looking Branch, promising to lead with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of members. In a statement he issued during his acceptance speach Mr. Philemon expressed profound appreciation to members of the Unity Bar for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the newly elected Executive Committee. Describing his election as both an honour and a solemn responsibility, the Chairman said the new administration would be driven by excellence, inclusiveness, innovation, and service to every member of the Branch. "I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have placed in me. This victory belongs to every member of the Unity Bar. Together, we will build a Branch where every lawyer has a voice, every member feels valued, and excellence r...

Abuja, Nigeria | July 27, 2026 Today, the legal profession, the Christian community, and countless admirers across Nigeria join in celebrating an exceptional leader, distinguished legal practitioner, and committed servant of God, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, PhD , as he marks another birthday. The occasion is not merely a celebration of age but a tribute to a life distinguished by unwavering integrity, selfless service, visionary leadership, and remarkable contributions to the legal profession, the Church, and national development. Throughout an illustrious career spanning decades, Dr. Ubani has remained a respected voice in the pursuit of justice and the rule of law. His outstanding leadership within the Nigerian Bar Association has earned him widespread admiration. He has served meritoriously as Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch , Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association , Chairman of NBA-SPIDEL , and currently serves as Chairman of the NBA Electoral Reform Co...

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to formally inform all members of our dear association of the landmark judgment delivered by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, on 10 July 2026 in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/264/2025: Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Police Service Commission & 5 Ors. This public interest action was instituted by the Nigerian Bar Association through the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) to seek judicial interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, particularly as they relate to the status, functions, and deployment of legal practitioners serving within the Nigeria Police Force. In a well-considered judgment, the Court upheld substantial aspects of the NBA’s claims and made important declarations and consequential orders, including: 1. Declaring that police officers who are legal practitioners b...