The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, on Monday dismissed claims of political victimisation and witch-hunt in a petition filed against senior lawyer, Jibrin Sam Okutepa, describing the matter as one of professional accountability.
Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated this in a response to allegations made by Okutepa, who had accused him of abuse of office, forgery, and professional misconduct.
In the statement obtained by our correspondent, Osigwe clarified that the petition before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee was not intended to challenge Okutepa’s right to accept legal briefs or contest the constitution of the Electoral Committee of the NBA.
Rather, he said the concern centred on whether ethical obligations particularly in ex parte proceedings were observed.
“The issue is not about representation, but the manner in which that right was exercised,” Osigwe said, adding that the petition arose from “serious professional concerns” regarding Suit No. I/221/2026 and the procurement of ex parte orders affecting the association’s electoral process.
He explained that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) was duly constituted during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Benin, Edo State.
According to him, the process followed established procedures, including the presentation of a motion, its seconding, and adoption.
Osigwe noted that Okutepa was present at the meeting and actively participated in the proceedings, including presenting a report as chairman of a security ad-hoc committee shortly after the ECNBA was ratified.
He further stated that a communiqué issued after the meeting confirmed the committee’s constitution and was widely circulated without objection from attendees, including Okutepa.
The NBA president also referenced video recordings of the NEC meeting, which he said captured the deliberations leading to the ECNBA’s establishment and showed Okutepa’s presence during the process.
According to him, concerns arose when ex parte orders were later obtained restraining the ECNBA from functioning, allegedly without full disclosure of material facts—particularly the prior knowledge of counsel involved.
Osigwe stressed that under the Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers have a duty of candour to the court, especially in ex parte applications where proceedings rely heavily on the good faith of counsel.
“A lawyer is not permitted to rely solely on client instructions where he knows, or ought reasonably to know, that material facts are being withheld,” he stated.
He maintained that the petition was neither personal nor retaliatory, but a legitimate step invoking the disciplinary mechanism of the LPDC to examine possible professional misconduct.
On allegations that he influenced Okutepa’s exclusion from the Body of Benchers, Osigwe said the NBA merely exercised its discretion not to recommend his renewal due to the pending petition.
“It would have been inconsistent to recommend for re-appointment a person whose conduct had been referred for disciplinary scrutiny,” he said.
Osigwe emphasised that the matter should be resolved through the disciplinary process rather than public debate, noting that the LPDC is a quasi-judicial body guided by evidence and established rules.
“The petition is an institutional step taken in good faith. It is not a personal attack or political contest, but a professional inquiry,” he added.
