Ikeja NBA Condemns Brawl Between Lawyers, Launches Investigation

The Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has initiated an investigation into a disturbing incident involving lawyers allegedly fighting over clients at the Samuel Ilori Courthouse in Ogba, Lagos. The altercation, which reportedly occurred in public, has raised serious concerns within the legal community.

In a statement issued on Friday, the NBA condemned the incident, expressing deep disappointment over the negative impact it has had on the legal profession. The statement, signed by NBA’s State Secretary Ayodeji Olabiwonnu, read in part: “The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, wishes to express its deep concern over the recent arrest and arraignment of some individuals, including persons alleged to be lawyers, for breach of public peace following a brawl.”

The confrontation was said to have arisen from a dispute among lawyers who were allegedly haggling for clients, a practice that led to significant public embarrassment and damaged the reputation of the legal profession. “The incident… has caused significant embarrassment to the Branch and the legal profession in general in a manner that is capable of negatively impacting the public perception of the noble practice of law,” the statement further noted.

While the identities of the lawyers involved have not been disclosed, the NBA assured the public that the investigation would proceed with fairness. “While we take this development seriously, we wish to emphasise that the principles of justice and the rule of law require that all individuals involved be given the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations,” the statement continued.

If the ongoing investigation confirms the allegations, the NBA warned that appropriate disciplinary actions would be taken. “Should the outcome of the ongoing independent investigations corroborate or confirm the allegations leveled against the individuals, the Branch will not hesitate to file appropriate petitions against all of them who are verified as lawyers before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).”

The NBA reiterated its commitment to upholding the dignity and integrity of the legal profession, emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated under any circumstances.