NBA President Inaugurates Women’s Forum, Litigation Committee, Three Other Committees

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, today, Thursday 12th September 2024, inaugurated the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association Women’s Forum (NBAWF) and four other Committees. The Committees and forum are as follows;

NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION WOMEN’S FORUM (NBAWF)

This Forum serves as a vital platform for advancing gender equality, promoting professional development, and empowering women within the legal profession.

The Forum’s Terms of Reference are as set out below:

1. Engagement in Forum Activities: Members will take part in seminars, workshops, meetings, and other events that promote the NBAWF’s mission.

2. Empowering Women in the Legal Profession: Through mentorship, professional development, and advocacy initiatives, members will work towards creating leadership and growth opportunities for women in the legal field.

3. Supporting NBA’s Goals: The members will work in alignment with the broader vision of the NBA, particularly on matters of gender equality, ethics, and strengthening the role of women in law.

The Leadership of the Forum is hereby constituted as follows:

* HUWAILA MOHAMMED – CHAIRPERSON
* DELAYO ORIEKUN – ALTERNATE CHAIRPERSON
* UGWOCHI AGALA – SECRETARY
* CECEILIA NGOZI ONYIA – TREASURER
* SADIYA SULE – PUBLICITY SECRETARY
* DR RABI ABDULAHI – MEMBER
* BISI FATOKI – MEMBER
* BUKOLA IKUJUNI – MEMBER
* NJIDEKA U. UJU – MEMBER
* RABIAT A. LIMAN – MEMBER
* FREDA ANYIA – MEMBER
* ESTHER JIMOH – MEMBER

The Nigerian Bar Association is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all women lawyers, and we are confident that the newly appointed members will make significant contributions toward realizing these goals.

NATIONAL LITIGATION COMMITTEE

The National Litigation Committee will operate on a zonal basis, with leadership drawn from the Northern, Eastern, and Western Zones to ensure region-specific concerns are addressed. In collaboration with the NBA Human Rights Committee, the committee will also provide pro bono services, particularly for lawyers facing intimidation and harassment in the course of their work.

Terms of Reference for the National Litigation Committee:

* Investigate and document cases of harassment, intimidation, and violation of lawyers’ rights by law enforcement agents.
* Institute legal actions to challenge and rectify violations of the rights of lawyers to perform their duties without intimidation or harassment.
* Collaborate with relevant stakeholders and governmental agencies to promote policies that ensure the protection of legal practitioners.
* Advocate for the enactment or enforcement of laws that safeguard the independence of the legal profession and prevent interference by law enforcement agents.
* Work closely with the NBA Human Rights Committee and its branches to offer pro bono legal services to deserving members of the public, particularly in cases of human rights violations.
* Engage in public interest litigation aimed at addressing systemic issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
* Ensure that legal representation and advocacy are available for lawyers and the public in matters of public interest that threaten the rule of law, democracy, and the administration of justice.
* Operate on a zonal basis, with the Northern, Eastern, and Western Zones handling region-specific challenges related to the harassment of lawyers and human rights violations.
* Develop zonal strategies for addressing violations and promoting legal reforms that strengthen the legal profession and protect lawyers from harassment.
* Submit periodic reports to the Nigerian Bar Association on cases handled, progress made, and challenges encountered in each zone.
* Organize educational campaigns, workshops, and seminars aimed at raising awareness among lawyers, law enforcement agents, and the public about the importance of protecting the legal profession from harassment.
* Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to educate them on the lawful and ethical boundaries of their powers in relation to the legal profession.
* Promote a culture of respect for the rule of law and the role of lawyers in the administration of justice.

The Committee is constituted as follows:

1. AMA ETUWEWE, SAN – COORDINATING CHAIRMAN
2. EKO EJEMBI EKO SAN – 1ST ALTERNATE COORDINATING CHAIRMAN
3. VINCENT OTAOKPUKPU – 2ND ALTERNATE COORDINATING CHAIRMAN
4. ALIYU ISAH ABUBAKAR – COORDINATING SECRETARY

NORTHERN, EASTERN AND WESTERN ZONES.

1. MBA UKWENI, SAN (CHAIR- EAST), AMAKA EZENO (ALTERNATE CHAIR – EAST); OLOCHE S. OKPEKE, OKEY OHAGBA, EKPONG J. EKPONG, MARIA AKPAN, NNAMDI ANAGOR, KESTER OGUEJIOFOR, CRESCENT ODO, OKECHUKWU OKO, PRINCE UGOCHUKWU, BLESSING AKPOTU, DAVID UDURU, CHUKWUEMEKA UWA, RACHAEL PRINCEWILL, ACHIKE ACHUKWU, HARCOURT JOHN EKPE.

2. RAZAK ISENALUMHE (CHAIRMAN – WEST), ADETUNJI OSHO ALTERNATE CHAIRMAN – WEST) ADEKOLA KAREEM, NIYI AKINSOLA, SHERIFAT BUSARI, CHINEDU IFEZUE, FRANCIS OKALA, ENIE OTRAFABOWEI, UCHE ANOZIE, EDWIN IBIOMGBO, ANDREW LAWANI, SEUN AJOBA, OMOTOLA ODUSOLA, YUSUF OLATUNDE RAIMI

3. IBRAHIM ALIYU NASSARAWA (CHAIR- NORTH), NIRI DARONG (ALTERNATE CHAIR – NORTH), ISA ALIYU (SECRETARY – NORTH), THEOPHILUS IGBA, CHRISTIAN WANCHE, Y Y EDE, OUMAR CIROMA, HENRY IHUNDE, ELIJAH ISRAEL, BERNARD NAFAGHA, CLARIS NWACHUKWU, FAISAL ABUBAKAR, JOHN ABBA, KELECHI OBODO, CLAVER OWHOR

The NBA is confident that the National Litigation Committee will make significant contributions to ensuring that lawyers can carry out their professional duties without fear of harassment or intimidation. By working on both legal and policy fronts, the Committee will help to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and promote justice for all.

CITIZENS LIBERTIES COMMITTEE

This is a specialized Committee designed to safeguard the rights and liberties of individuals, particularly those in detention facilities. This Committee will work closely with NBA branch Human Rights Committees, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to ensure the protection of human rights and uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Citizens Liberties Committee are as follows:

1. The Committee, in collaboration with the NBA branch Human Rights Committees, will oversee the inspection of police stations and detention centers to identify potential human rights violations, unlawful detentions, and breaches of statutory duties by law enforcement officers.
2. Working with NBA branches, the Committee will receive and investigate complaints from citizens regarding human rights violations in detention centers and police stations. These investigations will aim to hold relevant authorities accountable and ensure the protection of civil liberties.
3. The Committee will collaborate with Chief Judges, Magistrates, and NBA branch Human Rights Committees to ensure that law enforcement agencies comply with their legal responsibilities related to the inspection and oversight of detention facilities.
4. Based on its findings from inspections and investigations, the Committee will provide recommendations for policy reforms and legislative amendments to enhance the protection of individual liberties and prevent future violations of rights in detention facilities.
5. In partnership with NBA branches, the Committee will educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to actively participate in monitoring and reporting human rights violations, and fostering a culture of accountability.
6. The Committee will engage with NBA Human Rights Committees and local as well as international human rights organizations to promote shared goals of justice, liberty, and respect for human dignity across Nigeria.
7. Review proposed legislation for potential impacts on individual liberties, in collaboration with NBA branch Human Rights Committees.
8. Examine actions by government and law enforcement agencies for adherence to constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.
9. Investigate allegations of unlawful detentions, discrimination, and other rights violations, coordinating closely with NBA branches and their Human Rights Committees.

The NBA believes that the creation of this Committee will significantly bolster efforts to safeguard the rights of Nigerian citizens, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.

The Committee is constituted as follows:

1. NUHU EGYA (CHAIRMAN)
2. MALACHY UGWUMADU (ALTERNATE CHAIR)
3. STANLEY DAMABIDE
4. INIBEHE EFFIONG (SECRETARY)
5. CHIOMA IWUEZE
6. OLADELE OLADEJO
7. DEJI ADEYANJU
8. HADIZA NASIR AHMAD
9. MAXWELL OPARA
10. DANIEL KIP
11. AHMAD KHALIL
13. KEHINDE OYEWALE
14. MATTHEW OSUME
15. SHEHU IDRIS SANI
16. MARVIN IBEM
17. FESTUS OGUN
18. EJIOFOR CYNTHIA LAWRENCE
19. MBANG CONFIDENCE
20. PATIENCE-GODWILL PATIENCE DEIPREYE
21. HAFSAT ADAM
22. NKEMJIKA EDEH
23. SAMSON EZEKIEL
24. S TERVER-UBWA
25. UTHMAN ISA TOCHUKWU
26. IKECHUKWU CHUKWUDEBELU

We encourage all members and branches to actively support this vital initiative as we work together to uphold justice and liberty for all.

ADJUDICATURE REVIEW COMMITTEE (ARC)

This Committee has been set up to strengthen Nigeria’s judicial system by offering critical scholarly and professional reviews on landmark decisions and supporting the development of a jurisprudence that fosters democratic accountability and progress.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the ARC are as follows:

* The ARC will regularly review key appellate court cases, providing comprehensive analysis to address legal errors and contribute to jurisprudence that deepens democracy and justice in Nigeria.

* The Committee will publish the Nigeria Adjudicature Review quarterly, offering learned commentary on cases with significant socio-economic and political impacts.

* Every quarter, the ARC will submit a detailed report to the NBA President, assessing the judiciary’s role in promoting professional ethics, substantial justice, and democratic accountability.

* The ARC will organize regular seminars and workshops to generate innovative ideas and insights that shape transformative judicial policies aimed at advancing the rule of law and development in Nigeria.

* The Committee will provide recommendations to the NBA and the Council of Legal Education on rules and procedures that can improve the integrity and competence of judicial officers.

* A key focus will be on enhancing the capacity of judicial officers to deliver substantive justice through targeted capacity-building initiatives and publications.

* The ARC will monitor the evolution of adjudicatory jurisprudence in Nigeria, advancing judicial statesmanship through reviews, commentaries, and advocacy.

* The Committee will engage in consultations and research with relevant persons and institutions to generate policies that improve the administration of justice.

* Producing reports, briefs, and books that contribute to the effectiveness and integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system will be one of the ARC’s core tasks.

* The ARC will engage in outreach programs to Nigerian law schools, promoting a deeper understanding of judicial professionalism and ethics among future magistrates and judges.

This initiative underscores the NBA’s commitment to supporting a judiciary that is both independent and accountable, ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria. The Committee is constituted as follows:

1. DR SAM AMADI (CHAIRMAN),
2. JIBRIN SAMUEL OKUTEPA, SAN (ALTERNATE CHAIR),
3. PROF MAMMAN LAWAN YUSUFARI SAN
4. PROF DAKAS CJ DAKAS SAN
5. VICTORIA BANKE-OLAGBEGI (SECRETARY),
6. BALKISU SAIDU (ALTERNATE SECRETARY)
6. NORRSION QUAKERS, SAN
7. EBUN ADEGBORUWA SAN
8. PATIENCE UDO
9. GODFREE MATTHEW
10. INIBEHE EFFIONG
11. MABEIAM GLORIA BALLASON
12. GODWILL IYOKO
13. SLYVESTER UDEMEZUE
14. IFEANYI AGWUNCHA
15. OKONACHE OGAR
16. DANIEL ALAGOR
17. ELEBOR PRINCE EDEDE
18. CHINONSO C. UMEH

2025 ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE (AGC) PLANNING COMMITTEE

This Committee has been tasked with organizing and delivering a world-class conference that will meet the professional development needs of lawyers while aligning with the strategic objectives of the NBA.

The 2025 NBA Annual General Conference is proposed to be held in Rivers State, from 23rd to 30th August 2025.

Terms of Reference for the 2025 AGC Planning Committee:

* Developing a conference theme and agenda aligned with current legal trends and challenges.

* Selecting and inviting keynote speakers, panelists, and facilitators.

* Organizing various sessions such as plenaries, breakout discussions, and workshops.

* Overseeing the conference budget, logistics, and resource mobilization.

* Managing communications, publicity, and participant registration.

* Engaging with sponsors, partners, and exhibitors.

* Ensuring that the conference complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

* Foster sponsorship and mentorship opportunities

* To curate a conference that reflects contemporary legal issues in Nigeria and globally, while charting a roadmap for a comprehensive reform of the Legal profession and the judicial system.

* To provide a platform for continuous professional development, networking, and knowledge-sharing among legal practitioners.

* To foster inclusion and diversity by ensuring a wide representation of legal professionals across different sectors and regions.

* The Planning Committee shall have the authority to make decisions concerning the agenda, logistics, and overall design of the conference, subject to the approval of the National Executive Council (NEC).

* The Committee is authorized to manage the conference budget, including securing sponsorships and approving expenditures, within the limits prescribed by the NBA.

* The Planning Committee may form subcommittees or working groups to handle specific aspects of the conference such as logistics, program content, publicity, and finance.

* The Committee shall report regularly to the NBA President on the progress of planning and any issues requiring higher-level attention.

* The Committee shall monitor and ensure the quality and smooth execution of all conference-related activities.

The NBA is confident that under the leadership of this Committee, the 2025 Annual General Conference will reflect the highest standards of excellence, bringing together legal professionals from across the country to engage in meaningful dialogue, professional development, and thought leadership.

The Committee is constituted as follows:

1. EMEKA OBEGOLU SAN (CHAIRMAN),
2. SAMMIE SOMIARI, SAN (ALTERNATE CHAIR),
3. AMINU SANI GADANYA,
4. BARBARA OMOSUN (SECRETARY)
5. OLAIDE OLUWAYOMI – AJEWOLE (ALTERNATE SECRETARY)
6. KEHINDE OGUNWUMIJU, SAN
7. BABATUNDE OGALA SAN
8. PROF FESTUS EMIRI, SAN
9. CHUKWUMA OSENYENIM
10. CHUKWUMA EZEALA
11. WILLIAMS DAUDU,
12. HADIZA SAEED SANTALI
13. SOLA DOSUNMU
14. KOFO SALAM-ALADA
15. NABOTH ONYESO
16. EDIDIONG PETER EYOH
17. ENOME AMATEY
18. VICTOR NWAUGO
19. VICTOR CHAPI
20. JUNAIDU ABUBAKAR
21. KAINE ANANWUNE
22. NIKE OMOTAYO
23. OGHAHENHEN EDAMWEN
24. HAFSAT KABARA SANI
25. KELECHI ONWUEGBUCHULEM
26. OBASI-OBI NWABUEZE
27. MOHAMMED ADELODUN
28. LEKAN BELLO
29. VICTORIA YETUNDE ADEBOYE
30. AUGUSTINE ESEAGWU
31. UYI AYELA
32. RASHIDAT MOHAMMED
33. DAYO AKEREDOLU
34. AFAM OKEKE
35. ISMAIL ADUA
36. AMARACHI OPARA
37. STEPHEN IGHOMUAYE
38. FRANKLIN DEINYE
39. CHINEDU MADUBA
40. SADIYA SULE
41. PRECIOUS OMOROYE ABI
42. CLIFFORD OKOYE
43. ARAMIDE ADEKUNLE-FATOKUN
44. ABDULRAHMAN YUSUF ABDULKADIR
45. SAMSON GOTOM
46. BOMA DANIEL
47. NABAL ALFRED INEMUGHA
48. ECHIKA EJIDO
49. NAFISA MUHAMMED
50. MRS FAITH NWANCHOR
51. OSATO UWAGBOE
52. MICHAEL ASUGO
53. SAMEERA TABO
54. ADEOLA OLAWUMI
55. OLUSEGUN THOMAS OLAOTAN
56. AMINA IMANA ADEBOWALE
57. RAMLAT ZUBAIRU
58. HUWAILA IBRAHIM MOHAMMED
59. SANNI ABBAS
60. CHIDUBEM EKWELEM
61. MUSLIMA NAGODE
62. JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU
63. NNAMDI ANAGOR
64. FOLASADE ABIODUN

We look forward to a successful AGC in Rivers State that fosters the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.

NBA congratulates all appointees and looks forward to their contributions toward advancing professional excellence in Nigeria.

Sincerely,
BRIDGET EDOKWE
PUBLICITY SECRETARY