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Reporter: Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. 26 October 2026 | Abuja, Nigeria The Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), has called on legal practitioners, residents of the Federal Capital Territory and the general public to remain calm, health-conscious and vigilant following the confirmation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Abuja. The appeal comes amid encouraging reports from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare that Nigeria's confirmed Ebola patient is showing signs of recovery, while health authorities continue efforts to prevent further transmission. Although the development offers reassurance, the Branch has emphasised that the absence of confirmed community transmission should not be mistaken for the complete elimination of risk. HOW THE CURRENT EBOLA OUTBREAK BEGAN The latest Ebola outbreak has renewed concerns about public health preparedness across Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an outbreak of Ebola Virus D...

By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News October 25, 2026 The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) is set to host an array of distinguished legal luminaries, political leaders, judicial officers and public policy experts at its 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Abia State. The conference, themed “In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy & Development,” promises to provide a platform for critical discussions on the rule of law, democratic governance, institutional accountability and sustainable national development. Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN , is expected to deliver the keynote address on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a session chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Suleiman Galadima, OFR, CFR. The keynote presentation will attract responses from renowned political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder...

The Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), proudly celebrates Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association and former Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, distinguished professional accomplishments, dedicated service to the legal profession and enduring contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian Bar. Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, remains a highly respected and influential figure within the Nigerian legal community. Over the course of his remarkable career, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to professional excellence, ethical practice, institutional development, the rule of law, access to justice and the welfare, dignity and advancement of legal practitioners. His service to the Nigerian Bar Association has been marked by dedication, courage, intellectual depth and a clear understanding of the important role that a strong, united and progressive Bar must p...

By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), through its Committee on Legal Practice, has announced plans to host a professional development webinar aimed at strengthening lawyers' knowledge and practical skills in election petition litigation. The webinar, scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (WAT) , will focus on the theme: “Election Petitions: From Filing to Judgment — Mastering Procedure, Pleadings, Evidence and Advocacy.” The programme is designed to provide legal practitioners with practical insights into the complexities of election petition proceedings, particularly the procedural requirements, preparation of pleadings, presentation of evidence and effective courtroom advocacy. Election petition litigation remains a specialised area of Nigerian jurisprudence, characterised by strict statutory timelines, technical procedural requirements and the need for meticulous preparat...

Government intensifies prosecution of terrorism-related offences as concerns over fair hearing, legal representation and criminal justice reforms persist. Reported by Michael Ochili 24 October 2026 | Legal Diary News The Federal Government of Nigeria has reportedly secured 653 convictions during the eleventh phase of its mass terrorism trials , marking another development in the country's efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism and threats to national security. The trials form part of the Federal Government's ongoing initiative to prosecute individuals accused of involvement in terrorism-related activities, particularly those linked to insurgency and other violent extremist operations across the country. The development reflects continuing efforts by the government, through the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant security agencies, to strengthen accountability and ensure that persons implicated in terrorism-related offences are brought before the ...

Court declares premature termination of appointment unlawful, reinforces due process and institutional accountability within ECOWAS. Reported by Michael Ochili 24 October 2026 | Legal Diary News The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has awarded $50,000 in general damages to Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, a former Commissioner for Internal Services of the ECOWAS Commission, after declaring his removal and replacement before the expiration of his tenure unlawful. The Court also ordered the payment of his outstanding salaries, allowances and other accrued financial entitlements from the date of his unlawful removal until the expiration of his tenure, less any amounts already received. The judgment, delivered on 7 October 2026, followed a legal challenge instituted by Darma against the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Council of Ministers over the circumstances surrounding his removal from office. BACKGROUN...