The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed a high-profile misconduct petition against Danladi Umar, former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, ruling that the allegations of professional impropriety did not hold up in court.

In a decision handed down on October 15, 2025, the LPDC threw out case number BB/LPDC/489/2021, filed in 2021 by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins. The petition accused Umar of conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner under Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2023, stemming from a widely publicized altercation on March 29, 2021, at Banex Plaza in Abuja.

The incident, captured in a video that became Exhibit A in the proceedings, allegedly showed Umar physically assaulting security guard Clement Sargwak. Hearings commenced on July 14, 2025, with both sides adopting their filed documents. Aikpokpo-Martins submitted the video recording, an affidavit, and a verifying affidavit, while Umar’s defense team presented several exhibits, including a “star” Exhibit F — a Senate committee remark deemed irrelevant to the core allegations.

During the session, the video was played before the committee, counsel, and parties. Umar unequivocally identified himself in the footage and admitted to the assault on the security personnel. Notably, Aikpokpo-Martins opted not to cross-examine Umar, citing the clarity of the admission and a desire not to prolong the proceedings.

Umar’s team mounted a preliminary objection, arguing that the LPDC lacked jurisdiction over him as a former tribunal chairman. The committee overruled this, invoking Section 318(1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which does not grant such officials immunity from LPDC oversight — unlike judicial officers under the National Judicial Council (NJC).

At the heart of the main case was the question: Did Umar’s admitted conduct on March 29, 2021, at Banex Plaza constitute a violation of RPC Rule 1? The LPDC ruled no, primarily faulting the petitioner’s case on two fronts:

  1. Failure to call Sargwak, described as a “star witness,” to testify.
  2. Aikpokpo-Martins’ own admission that he was not present at the scene of the incident.

The committee noted that Umar’s evidence — including a withdrawal letter and apology from Sargwak to a Senate committee — went unchallenged, further undermining the petition.

The ruling a key legal precedent: even high-ranking government lawyers like Umar remain subject to LPDC discipline, not the NJC, barring explicit constitutional exclusions. Legal observers say it serves as a humbling reminder for practitioners in public office to uphold decorum, regardless of position.

Clement Ugo Chukwuemeka, Esq. — known as “Democrat” and the prosecutor for Aikpokpo-Martins — confirmed the dismissal in a statement on Thursday. “We are pleased with the committee’s direction on jurisdiction and broader implications,” Chukwuemeka said. His team is now reviewing a certified true copy (CTC) of the ruling to chart potential next steps, including any appeal.

Umar, a Nigerian lawyer called to the Bar whose name remains on the Supreme Court Roll, could not be reached for immediate comment. The case’s closure ends a four-year saga that spotlighted tensions between professional ethics and public service accountability.

______________________________________________________________________ NBA Accredited Service Provider, "Momodu B. Law Publishing" Unveils Landmark Law Publications And Services — Order Now! The publishing firm has produced an impressive catalogue of authoritative legal texts authored by its proprietor, Basil Momodu, Esq., For inquiries, contact: 📧 momodulawpublishing@yahoo.com 📞 07051822705 ______________________________________________________________________ “Timely And Groundbreaking” — Babalola, Nnawuchi Release Casebook On Privacy & Data Protection In NigeriaA timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi, 📘Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd ______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 ______________________________________________________________________ Explore Nigeria’s Constitutional System — 17 Chapters, 924 Pages Of Insight By Prof. Hagler Sunny Okorie
“Constitutional Law and Constitutionalism in Nigeria” By Prof. Hagler Sunny Okorie
Call to Order Your Copy: 📞 0803 766 7945 | 0802 863 6615 | 0803 225 3813 ✉️ haglersoco@gmail.com 🏢 Winners Chambers, 135 Ehi Road, Aba, Abia State ___________________________________________________________________ The books are available for purchase at: Online: www.educodex.com | www.selar.com | www.amazon.com | www.mikeozekhome.com Enquiries: +234 704 044 9375 | +234 814 813 4773 | +234 816 872 3532 Email: educodexl@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ Alexander Payne Co. Law Reports

Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com