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Senate Proposes 2-Year Pupillage for Lawyers Newly Called to Bar

Published

9 months ago

December 5, 2025

By Hassan Taiye

The Senate Wednesday passed a bill to amend the Legal Practitioner Act, 2004 into second reading, proposing a two-year mandatory pupillage for all newly called to the Nigerian Bar as part of its reforms to regulate the country’s legal profession in line with modern realities.

The upper chamber also agreed that the bill would restructure and empower the Body of Benchers, as the apex regulatory institution for the first time in the history of this country with focus on corporate legal personality, financial autonomy, strengthened its secretariat, clear rule-making authority; and institutional structure for committees and oversight.

Led by Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, senators debated the bill at the plenary on Wednesday with a view to modernising the legal profession, in line with global standards as observed in jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and Kenya.

After due consideration of the bill at its Chamber Wednesday, the Senate, presided over by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, okayed holistic reform and regulation of the legal profession, in line with modern realities.

Consequently, the senate passed the bill into second reading while mandating the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to conduct public hearing on it and report to the plenary within two weeks.

In his lead debate on Wednesday, Bamidele noted that the the Legal Practitioners Act, 2004, “currently in operation, is almost six decades old in context and structure, as it was designed for a legal environment that no longer exists.”

He added that the nature of legal practice today “has drastically evolved with technology, digital court processes, multi-dimensional commercial transactions, cross-border legal issues, and increased public demands for accountability and ethical conduct.

“Accordingly, it is necessary to ensure that our regulatory framework must evolve to meet these new realities. This bill is the aspect that seeks to restructure and empower the Body of Benchers, as the apex regulatory institution for the first time in the history of this Country.

“This restructuring initiative focuses principally on corporate legal personality; financial autonomy; strengthened Secretariat; clear rule-making authority; and institutional structure for committees and oversight,” Bamidele said.

The senate leader further noted that the initiative would definitely ensure “a coordinated and well-modernised regulatory framework that addresses admission to the Nigerian Bar, discipline and professional standards.”

Bamidele pointed out one of the major gaps in the current law, which according to him, was the slow and ineffective disciplinary system for addressing professional misconduct.

He observed that this proposed legislation would restructure the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) by allowing multiple panels to sit across the country; giving the LPDC clearer sanctioning powers, including suspension; striking-off, restitution, compensation, costs, and formal apology; mandating publication of disciplinary outcomes for transparency and giving practitioners the right of appeal to the Supreme Court.

He added that the bill “contemplates creating a new Ethics, Adherence and Enforcement Committee, which is going to function as a professional investigative body, empowered to: inspect law offices; demand documents and explanations; investigate complaints from the public; ensure compliance with regulations; and prosecute cases before the LPDC.

“These innovative initiatives are the major milestones of this Bill, geared toward promoting discipline and restoration of public confidence in the profession. Another innovative aspect of the proposed bill, is the provision that introduces two years of mandatory pupilage for lawyers, newly called to the Nigerian Bar, except in approved special circumstances as well as the mandatory continuing professional development, as a requirement for renewing a practising licence.

“This is to ensure that lawyers stay updated and competent throughout their careers. Also worthy of mentioning is the provision that criminalises unauthorised legal practice to curb the growing concerns about impostors and unqualified individuals posing as lawyers.

“The bill clearly defines the practice of law and criminalises unauthorized practice, which is essential for the protection of citizens from fraud and abuse. The bill is also envisaged to regulate foreign lawyers, reform the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and enhance client protection and financial safeguards, among others.”

Also speaking on the proposed legislation on Wednesday, Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno supported the senate leaders, narrating the realities of legal practice when he became a legal practitioner over 35 years ago.

Emphasising the national significance of the bill, Monguno urged his colleagues to vote in favour of reforms in the legal profession, saying the bill “is very apt and germane. We are in the digital age, and our legal profession must reflect these realities.”

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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived

Published

5 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Our Reporter

As Council Signs MoU With P&A Contract Ltd

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ifelodun local Government, under the leadership of Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with P & A Contract Limited for the construction of a modern motor park in Amoyo, as the Council moves to revive the Ifelodun Travellers transport system and improve transportation within the Local Government.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Council s Contact Office in Amoyo, the Chairman explained that the decision to construct the motor park was driven by the need for Ifelodun Local Government to establish its own transport identity, intended to ease people’s transportation problem.

He recalled that residents travelling to and from Ifelodun had, over the years, relied on transport facilities at Offa Garage and Maraba in Ilorin, stressing the need to create a dedicated transport hub that would serve the people of the Local Government.

“At some point in the history of Ifelodun Local Government, we had Ifelodun Travellers, which does not exist anymore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with bringing that identity back to the limelight. Now, we want to add value to that identity,” the Chairman said.

He added that the Council was also working with relevant stakeholders to bring in 10 units of Korope buses, which would commence operations as soon as possible.

“We are working with the NURTW, Kwara State Chapter, for guidance and to ensure that the operation runs smoothly,” he added.

The Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Kolo Rebecca, explained that the proposed park would feature several amenities, including a garage, warehouse, 100-unit shopping complex, parking spaces and general toilets.

She said the facilities were designed to boost economic activities, improve the image of the Local Government and provide a more convenient transportation system for residents.

According to her, the initiative is also in line with the efforts of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take governance and development directly to the grassroots.

The contractor, Mallam Jimoh Toheeb Abolore, assured the Local Government of the prompt execution of the project, promising that the construction would meet the required standards and contribute positively to the image and development of Ifelodun Local Government.

Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Kamil Akorede; DPM, Mallam Ayinde Salman; LGT, Mallam Usman Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Ademola Zubair; Head of Works, Engr. Awodi Muhammad; Land officer, Tola Kadir and other Special Assistants.

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Lawyer Demands Release of Detained Kano Blogger, Maryam Shehu

Published

23 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has called for the immediate release of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, who he said has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for almost 30 days.

Dantani, in a statement on Monday, said the prolonged detention of Shehu was becoming difficult to reconcile with the rule of law and provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly her fundamental right to personal liberty.
He questioned why Shehu should remain in detention for nearly 30 days, particularly over an offence he described as ordinarily bailable.

“How on earth can a person be detained for almost 30 days and counting, particularly in relation to an offence that is ordinarily bailable, without meaningful consideration of her liberty and constitutional rights?” he asked.
Dantani said the EFCC’s powers to investigate did not give the commission the right to detain a suspect indefinitely, punish her before trial or disregard her fundamental rights.

He also criticised the alleged practice of photographing persons in EFCC custody and publishing their images online while they remain presumed innocent.
Citing Section 36(5) of the Constitution, Dantani said the law guarantees the presumption of innocence until a suspect is proven guilty by a competent court.

He warned that publicly portraying suspects as criminals before trial could amount to subjecting them to public punishment and humiliation.
“The EFCC is a law-enforcement institution. It must therefore be the first institution to demonstrate obedience to law. It cannot demand respect for law from citizens while appearing to disregard constitutional safeguards itself,” he said.

Dantani urged the commission to either charge Shehu before a competent court if it has credible evidence against her or release her immediately
.
“We call on EFCC to respect the Constitution, respect presumption of innocence and respect fundamental right to personal liberty. Investigation is not conviction. Detention is not punishment. And an allegation is not guilt,” he said.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comment on Lionel Messi’s Tribute to His Dad Becomes Most-Liked Instagram Comment

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Fabian Apechihin

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history.

Jorge Messi died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. Five days later, Messi paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair.

In the post, Messi wrote, “Te amo, pa” — meaning “I love you, Dad” — alongside a lengthy tribute reflecting on his father’s influence and the pain of losing him.

Among the many reactions from fans, celebrities and fellow footballers was a message from Ronaldo.

“Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza,” Ronaldo wrote, which translates to: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”

Ronaldo’s comment reportedly attracted more than 6.86 million likes and over 86,000 comments, making it the most-liked comment on Instagram.

The previous record was also held by Ronaldo, whose comment on Kylian Mbappé’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid reportedly received more than five million likes.

Other football stars also expressed their condolences to Messi. Neymar Jr.’s message, translated as “Much strength for you and your family. Big hug,” reportedly received more than 1.6 million likes, while David Beckham’s comment expressing support for Messi and his family attracted more than 300,000 likes.

In his tribute, Messi described his father’s death as difficult to comprehend, saying he struggled to accept that he would no longer see or speak with him.

Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his deteriorating health. He said his father had hoped to watch him compete and had planned to travel if his condition improved.

According to Messi, he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final so he could be there. Although Argentina reached the final, his father was unable to attend.

Reflecting on the loss, Messi said he had wanted to win the tournament and bring the trophy to his father but ultimately struggled physically during the competition.

The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between Messi and his father and the profound impact of his loss on the football superstar.