NBA Activates Ethics Panels Across Six Zones to Enforce Professional Standards
In a bold step to reinforce professional integrity within the legal profession, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under the leadership of its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has announced the establishment of Ethics and Disciplinary Committees across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The initiative, undertaken in accordance with Section 14(2)(d) of the NBA Constitution (as amended), is aimed at ensuring transparent, timely, and fair handling of cases involving professional misconduct and ethical breaches among lawyers.
According to a notice released on Tuesday, the newly constituted committees have two primary responsibilities:
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Investigating allegations of professional misconduct referred by the NBA President or National Executive Council (NEC), and recommending appropriate disciplinary measures.
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Executing any additional tasks as assigned by the President or NEC.
The committees, whose appointments are subject to ratification by the NEC, will operate under standardized procedural rules designed to guarantee fair hearings, including the use of virtual sessions, reliance on documentary evidence, and submission of sworn witness statements.
Each panel is empowered to assess jurisdictional challenges, determine prima facie cases, and ensure the accused parties are afforded due process.
The Committees and Their Leadership
Abuja Zone
Chair: Adeboro Adamson, SAN | Secretary: Lawrence Erewele
Notable Members: Al-Bashir Lawal Likko, U.M. Yamah, Ozioma Soludo
Lagos Zone – Panel One (Island)
Chair: Babajide Koku, SAN | Secretary: Uju Chukwuma-Okafor
Notable Members: Dele Oloke, Florence Atuluku
Lagos Zone – Panel Two (Mainland)
Chair: Olusegun Fabunmi, SAN | Secretary: Malizu Iwudo
Notable Members: Muna Esegine, Akeem Aponmade
South-South Zone
Chair: Aham Ejelam, SAN | Secretary: David Maduku
Notable Members: Ayo Asala, SAN; Emem Ette
South-West Zone
Chair: Dayo Akinlaja, SAN | Secretary: Rotimi Olorunfemi
Notable Members: Justus Erhabor, Kamil Abolade
North-Central Zone
Chair: Mohammed Ndayako, SAN | Secretary: Safiya Balarabe
Notable Members: Omale Omale, Ayo Olorunfemi
North-West Zone
Chair: Yakubu Ruba, SAN | Secretary: Mukhtar Shehu Bello
Notable Members: Sunusi Lawan Fandubu, Hajara Kankia
North-East Zone
Chair: Musa A. Attah, SAN | Secretary: Oumar Ciroma
Notable Members: Haruna Yelma, Benazir Umar Jada
South-East Zone
Chair: Emeka Anaenugwu, SAN | Secretary: Janet Abba
Notable Members: Chidi Onyiuke, Fabian Nya, Beatrice Onyefulu
Strong Commitment to Justice and Accountability
In his statement, NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, congratulated all appointees and emphasized the Association’s ongoing mission to enhance ethical standards and accountability within the legal community.
“These committees are inaugurated subject to NEC ratification. I congratulate our dear colleagues and reaffirm our commitment to justice, discipline, and institutional integrity,” Osigwe said.
The development marks a significant stride in the NBA’s institutional reform, offering a decentralized and efficient mechanism for addressing professional misconduct and promoting trust in the legal system.
