Legal Diary News

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), today witnessed a historic moment as its newly elected Executive Committee was formally inaugurated at the Auditorium of the NBA National Secretariat, Central Business District (CBD), Abuja. The inauguration ceremony ushered in a new administration under the leadership of Yakubu Philemon, SAN , who was sworn in as Chairman of the Branch alongside other elected officers. The event was attended by Learned Silks, members of the Bench, past Chairmen of the Branch, Elders of the Branch, distinguished members of the Bar, distinguished dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers of the Branch , all of whom gathered to witness the commencement of a new chapter in the leadership of the Unity Bar. The newly inaugurated Executive Committee comprises: In his remarks, the Chairman, Yakubu Philemon, SAN , reaffirmed the Executive Committee's commitment to providing purposeful, transparent, and inclusive leadership. He empha...

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), Yakubu Philemon, SAN, congratulates one of the Branch's distinguished members, Chief Mrs. Ngozi Theresa Ikenga, KSJ, on the conferment of the revered traditional title of Ikpemaeziokwu-Akazudia I of Issele-Azagba Kingdom. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Committee and the members of the NBA Abuja Branch, the Chairman described the honour as a fitting recognition of Chief Mrs. Ikenga's exceptional contributions to the legal profession, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her lifelong dedication to humanitarian service. .                Yakubu philemon SAN             Chairman NBA abuja Branch The Chairman noted that Chief Mrs. Ikenga has consistently distinguished herself through exemplary leadership, integrity, and selfless service. He acknowledged her outstanding advocacy for the rights and welfare of women ...

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...