The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under the leadership of its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has announced the constitution of Ethics and Disciplinary Committees across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
This initiative, undertaken pursuant to Section 14(2)(d) of the NBA Constitution (as amended), aims to ensure swift and transparent handling of complaints involving professional misconduct and other breaches of ethical standards within the legal profession.
According to the notice released today, the constituted committees are charged with two core mandates:
- Investigating cases of professional impropriety or other misconduct referred by the President or the National Executive Council (NEC) and recommending appropriate actions.
- Carrying out any additional tasks assigned by the NBA President or NEC.
The committees, which have been inaugurated subject to NEC ratification, are as follows:
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – ABUJA
- Chair: Adeboro Adamson, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Al-Bashir Lawal Likko
- Secretary: Lawrence Erewele
Members: Bernard Nafagha, Henry Ihunde, U.M. Yamah, Oge Duruaku, Musa Jacob Haruna, Hannatu Queen Inusa, Ozioma Soludo
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – LAGOS
Panel One (Island):
- Chair: Babajide Koku, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Omoruyi Omonuwa, SAN
- Secretary: Uju Chukwuma-Okafor
Members: Dele Oloke, Ahmed Akanbi, Adejoke Layi-Babatunde, Frank Agbedo, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, Florence Atuluku, Olabamiji Adeyeye, Muobo Majemite
Panel Two (Mainland):
- Chair: Olusegun Fabunmi, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Victor Opara, SAN
- Secretary: Malizu Iwudo
Members: Muna Esegine, Uju Chukwuma, Carol Ibeh, Yemi Abijo, Chief Kenneth Ntong, Akeem Aponmade, Hassana Agbada
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – SOUTH-SOUTH
- Chair: Aham Ejelam, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Felix Okorotie, SAN
- Secretary: David Maduku
Members: Ayo Asala, SAN, Gweke Akudihor, Kelvin Ejelonu, Chukwuma Osenyenim, Ebosele Okhifo, Emem Ette, Daniel Ekpo, Ebitu Akpadiya
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – SOUTH-WEST
- Chair: Dayo Akinlaja, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Musibau Adetunbi, SAN
- Secretary: Rotimi Olorunfemi
Members: Justus Erhabor, Niyi Oshinubi, Ganiyu Olatoye Aminu, Kelubia Ajose, Temidayo Peter Akeredolu, Kamil Abolade, Kehinde Oyewale, Saheed Olayemi Abiona
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – NORTH-CENTRAL
- Chair: Mohammed Ndayako, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Ismail Adua
- Secretary: Safiya Balarabe
Members: Omale Omale, Ralph Monye, Dominic Ochenehi, Ayo Olorunfemi, John Mayokun Dada, Jude Tochukwu Ndubizu
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – NORTH-WEST
- Chair: Yakubu Ruba, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Muhd Nuhu
- Secretary: Mukhtar Shehu Bello
Members: Lawal Amah, Sadiya Nasir, Sunusi Lawan Fandubu, Muazu Shehu, Kingsley Baba Yakunat, Jerome Iroagalachi, Hajara Kankia
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – NORTH-EAST
- Chair: Musa A. Attah, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Abdulwasiu Alfa
- Secretary: Oumar Ciroma
Members: Haruna Yelma, Miss Nana Ganki, Jibrin S. Jibrin, Nuhu Lukma, Benazir Umar Jada
DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE – SOUTH-EAST
- Chair: Emeka Anaenugwu, SAN
- Alternate Chair: Ikechukwu Onuoma, SAN
- Secretary: Janet Abba
Members: Anaga Kalu, Chidi Onyiuke, Ada Chika Udobi, Damian Nosike, Fabian Nya, Oliver O. Amuzie, Beatrice Onyefulu, Stella Chidozie
The Committees will operate under comprehensive procedural rules which include guidelines for hearings, submission of witness statements on oath, handling of virtual sittings, and principles for fair adjudication. Key highlights of the rules include:
- Panels may rely on documentary evidence and may hold virtual hearings when necessary.
- Witness statements must include sworn affidavits with passport photographs.
- Legal practitioners involved must provide complete professional identification.
- Proceedings will be conducted with a commitment to fairness and timely justice.
- Panels are empowered to rule on jurisdictional objections and determine prima facie cases.
Each Panel is expected to function independently and transparently, with the overarching objective of reinforcing ethical discipline and due process within the NBA’s framework.
In his closing remarks, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, congratulated the appointees and reaffirmed the Association’s dedication to promoting accountability and strengthening institutional integrity.
“The committees are hereby inaugurated subject to ratification by the National Executive Council. Congratulations, dear colleagues.”
