JUDICIARY
Court grants order to paste hearing notice in Dogara’s office
The Federal High Court sitting, Abuja, on Tuesday, granted an ex-parte order to paste hearing notices on former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, in his office. The Incorporated Trustees of United Global Resolve for Peace Organisation filed a suit challenging the defection of Dogara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC)Justice Okon Abang granted the order following a motion by the plaintiff, that Dogara, who represents Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, had frustrated efforts to personally serve him with court processes.
The organisation is seeking the removal of the lawmaker from the National Assembly after he defected from PDP to APC. Our correspondent reports that other defendants in the suit include the PDP, APC, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation as 2nd to 6th defendants respectively.
The group, which filed the motion through its counsel, Michael Okejimi, sought for an order of the court “granting the plaintiff/applicant leave to serve the 1st defendant/respondent in this suit by substituted means, to wit; by pasting copies of the originating summons, hearing notices and all other processes filed and purposed to be filed in this case at his office at the National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, all attempts to serve the 1st Defendant/Respondent personally having failed.” The plantiff had, on Aug. 4, 2020, prayed the court to declare vacant, Dogara’s seat at the House of the Representatives. He had also urged the court to order the INEC to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant seat.
The suit came after Dogara had defected back to the ruling APC on July 24, 2020, having accused the PDP leadership in his state of mismanaging public funds and bad governance. But the group is querying why he left a party under which he got re-elected into the lower house. Shortly after the court order on Dogara, his counsel, Isiaka Kadiri, told the judge that he actually came to collect the court processes for his client. “My, Lord, even though we are here to come to court to collect the processes on his behalf. I have no objection for trial date,” he said. But Justice Abang, who agreed with the plaintiff’s motion, told Kadiri that it was his client that should be served. “You can’t serve counsel with originating summons, the proper thing has been done,” the judge said. Abang, who adjourned the matter until Feb. 5 for hearing, ordered that hearing notices should be issued on the second to sixth defendants. Our correspondent reports that the PDP, in a separate suit, is also asking for the sack of Dogara before the court.
From Hassan Taiye
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, has been praised for his visionary leadership and transformative impact on the legal profession. Since assuming office, Osigwe has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
According to Barrister Hamza N Dantani, Osigwe’s leadership has been marked by bold initiatives, fearless advocacy, and groundbreaking reforms. He has restored the NBA’s traditional role of holding leaders accountable and promoting the rule of law, challenging unconstitutional actions and human rights abuses.
One of the notable achievements of Osigwe’s presidency according to Hamza, is the repositioning of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). The introduction of a mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) regime has elevated professional competence and aligned the Nigerian Bar with international standards.
“Osigwe has also been instrumental in promoting human rights and public interest litigation. He has spearheaded campaigns against arbitrary arrests, electoral malpractice, and anti-democratic legislation, and established regional litigation committees nationwide”
“The NBA President’s commitment to technology and innovation has also been noteworthy. The launch of the Digital Annual Practice License and the digitization of the Letter of Good Standing have marked a new era in transparency and efficiency within the profession”
He further stated that ” Osigwe’s administration has prioritized the growth and success of young lawyers. The Nigerian Bar Association–Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) has introduced tailored mentorship, support programs, and funding initiatives to address the challenges faced by young lawyers”
“The 2025 NBA Annual General Conference, organized under Osigwe’s leadership, was hailed as one of the most successful in the history of the Association. The conference equipped lawyers with practical strategies to navigate contemporary legal and societal challenges.”
“Engine’s leadership style has been described as inclusive, humble, and genuinely committed to serving the legal profession. His detribalized approach has earned him respect across regions, political divides, and professional ranks.”
He expressed optimising that ” As Osigwe continues to lead the NBA, his legacy is expected to leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape. His commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law has restored the NBA’s image as the nation’s conscience”.
Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a legal scholar and judicial reform advocate, has praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her decisive action in addressing misconduct within the judiciary.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) recently sanctioned five judicial officers for professional breaches, including age falsification and other misconducts. The decisions were made during the NJC’s 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024.
Judges Sanctioned for Misconduct
Among those sanctioned were:
- Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, who was recommended for compulsory retirement effective October 27, 2021. Justice Chikeka was found to have falsified his date of birth, with inconsistencies noted between 1956 and 1958. He was also directed to refund salaries and allowances received after his official retirement date.
- Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State, was also recommended for compulsory retirement after discrepancies in his date of birth were discovered. Records showed three different birth dates, while his actual year of birth was determined to be 1952. The NJC found that he should have retired 12 years ago and ordered him to refund salaries and allowances received during this period.
- Justice G.C. Aguma of Rivers State High Court and Justice A.O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court were suspended from duties for one year.
Odinkalu’s Commendation
Reacting to the NJC’s decision, Professor Odinkalu commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her swift and decisive response.
“Madam CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has acted swiftly on this matter of age falsification by the Chief Judge of Imo State. She has done the right thing the right way,” Odinkalu stated.
He expressed hope that this move would signal a new era of improved judicial standards under Kekere-Ekun’s leadership of the NJC.
NJC’s Commitment to Judicial Integrity
The NJC emphasized its zero-tolerance for misconduct, reiterating its commitment to upholding integrity within the judiciary. The council urged judicial officers to adhere strictly to professional and ethical standards.
The actions taken are seen as a bold step toward restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on judges and lawyers to avoid delivering conflicting rulings, which he says undermine justice and governance. His warning follows conflicting judgments that nearly disrupted the local government election in the state.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony in Port Harcourt, Fubara criticized legal professionals who compromise their integrity for personal gain. He emphasized the sacred role of the judiciary in upholding justice and urged judges to remain steadfast in truth.
“You are the god that we are seeing. Your position is to stand and defend us,” Fubara stated, adding that those who compromise justice would face severe consequences, both legally and morally.
Fubara praised the Rivers State judiciary, particularly the High Court, for their support in maintaining stability despite external pressures. He acknowledged threats and assaults faced by judicial officers but encouraged them to remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.
In his sermon, Bishop Rt Rev Wisdom Budu Ihunwo echoed the governor’s concerns, highlighting the negative impact of conflicting judgments on Nigeria’s unity and governance. The bishop warned that those responsible for such actions would eventually face divine punishment.
Governor Fubara concluded by emphasizing the need for strong institutions to safeguard democracy and ensure societal prosperity.
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