LPDC Summons Fomer NBA’s General Secretary Joyce Oduah to Testify in Adekunbi Ogunde Petition over Allegations of Professional Misconduct
The Former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Joyce Oduah, has been summoned by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to appear as a witness in the professional misconduct petition against lawyer Adekunbi Ogunde.
Specifically, the subpoena requires Mrs Oduah to produce the notice, minutes and resolution of the National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) meeting referenced in the affidavit filed by NBA First Vice President, John Aikpokpo-Martins, in support of the petition against Ms Ogunde at Plot 688, Institution and Research District, FFC Phase III, (Behind Federal Medical Center), Jabi, Airport Road, Abuja at 9 O’clock.
Failure to honor the subpoena dated November 29 could attract sanctions and disciplinary actions against Mrs Oduah.
The subpoena outlines specific items to be produced and testified upon:
1. The Notice of meeting of the National Executive Committee (NBA-EXCO) referenced in paragraph 14 of the Affidavit of Facts deposed to by John Aikpokpo-Martins in support of the Originating Application.
2. The Minutes of the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NBA-EXCO) as mentioned in paragraph 14 of the Affidavit of Facts deposed to by John Aikpokpo-Martins in support of the Originating Application.
3. The resolution of the National Executive Committee (NBA-EXCO) identified in paragraph 14 of the Affidavit of Facts deposed to by John Aikpokpo-Martins in support of the Originating Application.
Recall that on the 19th of July, the NBA dragged Adekunbi before the disciplinary committee for alleged infractions on the Rules of Professional Conduct relating to Client Solicitation and alleged peddling of the influence of the Fmr. Chairman Body of Benchers, Wole Olanipekun as having the ability to extra-legally influence decisions of Courts in Nigeria.
As a follow-up to the Originating Summons, John Aikpokpo-Martins on the 4th of August, wrote a letter to the LPDC requesting an update on the said petition.
In its response, the Chairman of the LPDC, Hon Justice Dr. Ishaq Bello, on the 10th of August in letter sighted by acknowledged receipt of the NBA’s petition and further informed that the petition has been sent to Respondent to file her response.
The LPDC is the body empowered to discipline legal practitioners over professional misconduct and requires testimony and documentation from relevant witnesses like Mrs Oduah to establish the facts of the case.
