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Court voids NBA’s investigation report against lawyer, says it breaches right to fair hearing
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo has declared the report of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) investigative panel, which led to an originating application against a legal practitioner, Chibuzo Chukwueroka Ezike before the Legal Practitioner Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) delineated No. BB/LPDC/809/2022 null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.
Justice A.A. Halilu made this declaration while delivering judgment on an application for the enforcement of fundamental rights filed before the court by Chibuzo Chukwueroka Ezike against Registered Trustees of Nigeria Bar Association, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), Mr. Oluwaseun Abimbola (SAN) as members of the NBA investigative panel, Dr. Monday Ubani and the Legal Practitioner Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
The lawyer, Ezike had earlier filed a suit through his legal representative, Emeka Ozoani (SAN), before the court, asking for a declaration that the report of the NBA Panel that investigated conflicting judgments on some political cases which indicted him of professional misconduct and led to the filing of Petition No BB/LPDC/809/2022 against him before the LPDC, which was widely published in different media platform without affording him the opportunity of being heard throughout the purported investigation is a breach of his right to fair hearing as provided under section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Articles 7 and 9 of the African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws Of The Federation Of Nigeria 2004 and encapsulated in Latin Maxim Audi Alterem Partem.
In his judgment, Justice Halilu declared that the report of the investigative panel against Ezike constituted a breach of his right to a fair hearing under Section 36(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Articles 7 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right.
The court, however, ordered the parties to bear their costs, stressing that it will not act on speculation and award damages against the respondents for publishing or authorizing a publication subjecting the applicant to ridicule in the eyes of the public since it couldn’t lay its hands on the said publication to enable it to award the damages of N500 million.
The court also held that while there is no doubt that the NBA is saddled with the responsibility of investigating its members upon a complaint made against them, the procedure adopted by the respondents, having failed to adhere to the principle of natural justice and failure to afford the applicant fair hearing has made their entire action in that regard null void and of no effect whatsoever.
“The purported report that led to the filing of originating application to LPDC against the Applicant referred to as BB/LPDC/809/2022 is also declared null and void and of no effect whatsoever, having failed to pass through the legitimate means of making same,” the Judge held.
The court further stopped the LPDC from acting on the pending originating application against Ezike before it, as it has been declared null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
Justice Halilu held that Ezike has a legal duty to seek timely judicial protection whenever he smells danger and not wait until the rope is tight around his neck for execution. The court maintained that the legal practitioner does not have to wait for the LPDC to act on the NBA’s report that indicted him without hearing his side of the story, without availing him with a copy of the complaint written against him, and without giving him a copy of the NBA Report sent to LPDC.
“I am of the view that the respondents breached the rules of natural justice for their failure to communicate the complaint to the applicant and give him reasonable time to react the same.
“The respondent’s notice of preliminary objection dated 10-6-2022 is hereby dismissed for lacking in merit. Accordingly, judgment is entered for the applicant against the respondents,” the court ruled.
Reacting to the judgment, Ezike’s counsel, Ozoani (SAN), submitted that “the judgment was incisive, well-considered in substance and a proof that the court is the last hope of the common man. We commend his lordship.”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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