Nigerian Law Society threatens to sue the CJN if NBA President Afam Osigwe is not referred to the LPPC, urging sanctions for alleged professional misconduct

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has threatened to initiate legal proceedings against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, if she fails to take action against the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN.

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The dispute centers on allegations of professional misconduct and growing concerns within the legal community regarding courtroom conduct.

The NLS is demanding that the CJN refer the NBA President to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) for disciplinary review.

According to the NLS, the referral is necessary to address what it describes as acts that undermine the integrity of the legal profession.

The association also urged the CJN to issue practice directions that would empower judges to impose sanctions on lawyers who engage in misconduct while appearing in court.

The Nigerian Law Society, which represents non-litigation lawyers, criticized the NBA President for publicly condemning a Federal High Court judge who had sanctioned a lawyer during proceedings.

The NLS argued that such public criticism of judicial decisions could erode respect for the judiciary.

The controversy stems from an incident in which Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered a lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to step forward and kneel in open court after he allegedly raised his voice during proceedings. The NBA, led by Osigwe, had condemned the judge’s action, describing it as inappropriate.

In its response, the NLS proposed stricter disciplinary measures for lawyers found guilty of unprofessional conduct, including mandatory anger management therapy.

It maintained that maintaining discipline within the courtroom is essential to preserving the “temple of justice.”

The association further stated that it had formally written to the CJN, presenting what it described as evidence of misconduct and requesting action.

It also referenced prior concerns raised by senior legal figures about increasing cases of unprofessional behavior among litigation lawyers.

Additionally, the NLS warned that if its demands are not met by April 1, 2026, it would proceed to court to compel both the CJN and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to act.

The group insists that stronger regulatory measures are necessary to uphold discipline and accountability within the legal profession.

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The development highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s legal community over courtroom ethics, disciplinary authority, and the balance between judicial authority and professional rights.