Legal Nigeria

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially opened the window for payment of the annual Bar Practicing Fee (BPF) for lawyers enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The payment period, which began on January 1, 2025, will close on March 31, 2025.

In an announcement made by NBA General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association underscored the importance of timely BPF payments. Lawyers who pay promptly will continue to enjoy a wide range of benefits, including coverage under the Leadway Assurance Scheme, access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), eligibility for Notary Public status and the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank, and participation in NBA and Branch elections. Additionally, paying the BPF allows for the issuance of a letter of good standing.

The fee varies depending on the number of years a lawyer has been enrolled. Senior Advocates and Honorable Benchers will pay ₦50,000, while those with 15 or more years post-call will pay ₦25,000. Lawyers with 10-14 years of experience are required to pay ₦17,500, while those with 5-9 years must contribute ₦10,000. Finally, those with 1-4 years post-call will pay ₦5,000.

To make the payment, lawyers must visit the NBA Portal. Individual payments can be made by logging in with their enrollment number, email, and password, selecting the BPF Payment option, and following the instructions to complete the payment. Group payments, covering up to 25 individuals, can also be made, with receipts sent directly to each lawyer and the initiator.

For any inquiries or assistance, NBA officials Blessing (National Treasurer), Ezekiel, and Bayo are available to provide support between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Dr. Ojibara closed the statement by urging all lawyers to make their payments on time to ensure they continue benefiting from the many privileges of their legal profession. He also wished them a productive and successful year ahead

We have just stepped into a dawn of a new era and are still moving forward towards greatness as The largest Bar Association in Africa where we have Bar Men with very large heart as well.

Nigeria, being one of the most populous countries in the World has abundance of natural resources and high skilled manpower that is well sort after globally with Lawyers inclusive.

Nigerian Lawyers have been able to station themselves in the global village as a force to be reckoned with and they work seriously, constantly and consistently to consolidate this great feast. Such consolidation needs experienced Attorneys who are very skillful, dynamic, resourceful, well respected and generally accepted by Lawyers across all the geographical components of the entity called Nigeria.

All these qualities have to come from Lawyers who are true Nigerians with no ethnic bias, no cultural discrimination or any form of religious ill feeling against part of the country.There are many such Lawyers in Nigeria who have have the overall interest of Law Profession and wellbeing of Lawyers at Heart. Chief Emeka Ozoani SAN is a very good example, if not the best example of a True Nigerian Lawyer. Looking at the way Chief Emeka Ozoani SAN is neatly trimmed and well dressed with his slim fitness like a Fulani Man, one cannot correctly guess his ethnic background history if not for the name tag which he has.

Going by the antecedents of Chief Emeka Ozoani SAN so far, Lawyers are quite comfortable and relaxed with him because he has decided to improve the wellbeing of Lawyers in virtually all Bar branches that make up the Nigerian Bar Association. He has in past donated millions of Naira to many NBA branches in the East, West and Northern Nigeria. He’s still doing such donations to any branch that calls for his help and assistance and will still continue to strengthen and improve the wellbeing of Lawyers in any branch of the NBA anytime anywhere.

Chief Emeka Ozoani SAN is Man who hardly sleeps unless he sees that that legal profession in Nigeria is constantly being upgraded to meet World standard in line with global best practices.

He has got the time, the resources and the stamina to upgrade and stabilize the ever changing Law practice in our very dynamic modern times.

Congratulations Sir as you will always be blessed and reap deeply the fruits of your generosity both in cash and in kind because whatever a Man sows he must reap.

Courtesy,

Onochiengwu Obuna Esq.

A vacation court of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has granted bail to a lawyer, Kevin Okorie detained by the Nigerian Navy since the 10th September 2024.Among the causes listed for hearing on the 2nd January 2025 was a Motion Exparte for Interim reliefs brought under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009 filed by Kunle Edun, SAN alongside Vincent Adodo, Esq. as Counsel to two Civil Society Groups who initiated the suit on behalf of Okorie.After listening to Samuel Ihensekhien Jnr who moved the exparte motion, the Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Mohammed Zubairu granted bail to Kevin Okorie in the sum of Ten Million Naira and one surety who must be a grade level 14 Federal Civil Servant.Listed as Respondents to the Originating Motion for enforcement of fundamental rights filed by two civil society organisations on behalf of Mr. Okorie on pro bono basis are the Nigerian Navy, the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Attorney General of the Federation.

BY ADMIN JOSH

The people of Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community in Enugu State have filed a lawsuit against the state government, through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, accusing them of illegally seizing their land.The lawsuit, which was filed on December 10, 2024, at the State High Court, seeks N1 billion in damages. The plaintiffs, led by Chief Monday Igweshi, Chief Simeon Ede, Chief Christopher Ikechukwu Ugwu, Chief Joseph Ngwu, and Chief Kanayo O. Atu, represent the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw community, located in the Enugu South Local Government Area.The plaintiffs claim they are rightful members of the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community and its original Land Committee. In their statement, they allege that the state government unlawfully invaded several parcels of land, including Otonozi Land, Ikiti Land, and New Jerusalem City Layout (Awana Land), all of which are located within their community.The lawsuit accuses the state government and its agents of trespassing on the community’s land, destroying crops, and disrupting the local economy. As part of the legal proceedings, the plaintiffs are requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent the state government and its agents from further interference with the land.The plaintiffs argue that the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community has long held ownership of these lands, which are communally owned by all members of the community. They contend that prior to this alleged invasion, there had been multiple attempts by individuals, corporate bodies, and neighboring communities to illegally encroach on these lands.

The community has reportedly issued public notices to warn the public against engaging in land transactions within their territory without prior authorization from the community’s leaders. Despite these warnings, the plaintiffs claim that the Enugu State government, aided by political office holders from the community, forcefully acquired the land without following legal procedures.This legal action follows a series of similar land disputes between the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw community and the Enugu State government, including the controversial acquisition of parcels in Independence Layout and other areas within the state. The plaintiffs argue that their community’s rights have been continuously violated by unlawful land acquisitions over the years, undermining their ability to manage their ancestral lands according to their traditions and laws.As the lawsuit progresses, the Ugwuaji Awkunanaw Community seeks justice and compensation for the illegal actions they claim have been taken by the Enugu State government.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, took to social media to reflect on his visit to former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obi travelled from Abuja to Lagos to personally extend his New Year greetings to the esteemed elder statesman, whom he described as a “father figure” and “leader.”

In his post, the former Labour Party presidential candidate shared his appreciation for the invaluable advice and guidance he continues to receive from Obasanjo, acknowledging the former president’s enduring influence on national affairs.

Obi travelled from Abuja to Lagos to personally extend his New Year greetings to the esteemed elder statesman, whom he described as a “father figure” and “leader.”
“President Obasanjo remains one of the leaders under whom our nation saw tremendous growth,” Obi wrote, recognising Obasanjo’s ongoing contributions to Nigeria’s development.

Obi concluded his heartfelt message by wishing Obasanjo and his family “abundant health and happiness” in the coming year.

Source: PM News

The Nigerian Government, through the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has announced plans for significant enforcement and the imposition of substantial fines on data controllers and processors who violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.

This announcement was made by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, in a video shared across the Commission’s social media platforms. Dr. Olatunji outlined the Commission’s agenda for 2025, which includes a heightened focus on compliance with data protection regulations.

“For data controllers and processors, there is going to be massive enforcement,” Dr. Olatunji stated. “We have never really issued any fine, but going forward, you’ll hear us giving heavy penalties.”

He emphasized that the data rights of Nigerians, as outlined by the NDPA, will be rigorously protected. Those who fail to comply with the law will face strict penalties, signaling the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding personal data.

The Commissioner also highlighted the NDPC’s extensive efforts to engage with both public and private sector stakeholders to raise awareness and ensure compliance. He revealed plans to expand on training and certification initiatives for professionals in the data protection space. “We are going to launch them into the job market, where they can work with data controllers and processors,” he said.

Furthermore, Dr. Olatunji assured the public that the NDPC would continue its nationwide efforts to promote data protection awareness, ensuring that Nigerians’ personal information remains secure and their rights upheld.

The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch is marking the 21st anniversary of Fawehinmiism with the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture. The event is set to take place on the 15th of January, 2025, at the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, bringing together some of the country’s most prominent legal and economic minds.The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM and will feature a panel discussion on the impact of structural adjustment programs on Nigeria’s economy.

The theme for this year’s lecture, “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigeria Survive Another Structural Adjustment Program?”, highlights the ongoing challenges facing African nations in navigating global economic policies.

Former Central Bank Governor and renowned reformist, His Highness (HH) Muhammed Sanusi II, CON, will serve as Chairman of the occasion. Professor Ademola Popoola, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Obafemi Awolowo University, has been announced as the lead speaker.

Other notable participants include former NBA President Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, SAN, economist and commentator Comr. Bala Zakka, and Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, a senior lecturer and director of WARDC.

The event would feature a segment – “The Gani That I Know”. Speaking in this segment are King Sunny Ade, Oyinkansola Badejo Okusanya, Nurudeen Ogbara, Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), Dr. Adekunle Ojo (SAN), Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawanson, Richard Akinnola and Ayo Olanrewaju.

The Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr. Adeniyi Quadri, described the lecture as a platform for addressing critical national issues while honoring the legacy of Gani Fawehinmi, SAN.

Join us January 15, 2025, for a Fawenhinmi-inspired stimulating conversation!

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

The Police Command in Kwara has promised to arrest those involved in Wednesday’s killing of a retired controller of works, Abdulrazaq Ajani, in Ilorin.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, gave the assurance in Ilorin on Friday while presenting an update on the incident.

According to the spokesperson, investigations are ongoing to arrest and make those found culpable face the law.

“The Kwara Police Command assures the family that those involved in this dastardly act will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“No arrest has been made as of this moment, but our police detectives are working assiduously to unravel this tragic incident.

“Kwara Police Command commiserates with the entire family of the Ajanis’; we pray that God Almighty consoles and comforts members of the family he left behind.

“We pray for the repose of the soul of their beloved father.

“Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress,” she said.

Ajani was reported murdered by four young persons.

He was said to have been trailed to his residence at Dele Gege Street, Aderoju, Tanke area of Ilorin, on Wednesday.

The incident occurred about 3.00 p.m., a few minutes after Ajani and his family returned from Offa, their hometown, where they had gone to celebrate the New Year. (NAN)

Source: PM News

By Paul Dada

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu has explained the circumstances leading to the death of 140 police operatives serving in Abuja, in 2024.

Disu in  an end-of-the-year statement by the FCT Police Command, said some of them died in violent protests while others died as a result of high blood pressure.

He added that some died in their sleep while others slumped and passed away at work. He, however, said all families of the deceased received their entitlements.

He said, “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), located at the heart of the Federation and bordered by Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, serves as the political and business hub of Nigeria. “Its unique position attracts diverse individuals, including those with both legitimate and illegitimate intentions.

“At the start of 2024, the FCT faced significant security challenges across its six area councils, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, car theft, “one-chance” robbery, illegal possession and use of firearms, homicides, and other violent crimes,” the statement said in part.

Source: PM News

As we usher in 2025, it’s time to finalize your professional requirements for the year. After paying your Bar Practising Fee, the next crucial step is applying for your NBA Stamp and Seal. This guide walks you through the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Step 1: Log In to the NBA Portal

• Visit https://portal.nigerianbar.org.ng.
• Enter your credentials to access your personal dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to the Payment Section

• On the left-hand side of the dashboard, locate and click the “Payment” option.

Step 3: Select the Stamp & Seal Option

• From the Payment menu, click on “Stamp & Seal.”

Step 4: Choose the Number of Stamp Packs

• Indicate how many stamp packs you would like to order:
  • 96 stamps (₦7,000)
  • 48 stamps (₦4,000)
  • 24 stamps (₦2,000)

Step 5: Select Your Practice Category

• Choose between “Public” or “Private” depending on your area of practice.

Step 6: Upload Your Branch Dues Receipt

• Upload proof of payment for your branch dues.
• Ensure the file size is under 1MB.
  Tip: Only the branch dues receipt is required—double-check for accuracy before uploading.

Step 7: Proceed to Payment

• Complete your payment for the stamp and seal.

Step 8: Confirm Your Application

• After payment, a message will display: “Application Complete.”
• Your application status will update to “Pending Review.”

Important Notes

• Review Process:
  All applications undergo review before final approval.
• Rejection and Re-upload:
  If your uploaded receipt is incorrect, your application will be rejected.
  • You’ll receive an email prompting a re-upload.
  • Return to the “Stamp Application” tab in your portal and click “Upload Document” to fix the error.
• Approval Notification:
  Upon approval, you’ll receive a confirmation message: “Your stamp application has been approved.”
  • Your branch will notify you once your stamps are ready for collection.

Contact for Assistance

If you have questions or encounter issues, reach out to NBA Bar Services:

• Email: barservices@nigerianbar.org.ng
• Phone:
  • Bayo: 0802 883 3422
  • Ezekiel: 0703 700 0903