J-K Gadzama LLP has held the 10th edition of its Annual Moot and Mock Trial for Nigerian Law School externs as part of its continuing commitment to practical legal education, advocacy training and the professional development of aspiring lawyers.
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The programme, held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, was initiated by the firm’s Founder and Principal Partner, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, a Life Bencher, to expose Nigerian Law School students to courtroom practice and strengthen their advocacy, litigation and legal research skills.
The exercise took place at the Hon. Justice Niki Tobi Moot Court on the pent floor of J-K Gadzama Court.
The facility, donated by Gadzama, serves as a dedicated venue where Nigerian Law School externs and university law students participate in moot and mock trials designed to prepare them for the practical demands of legal practice.
Justice I. E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court presided over the moot trial on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr Olugbemisola Titilayomi Odusote; the Head of Academics, Dr J. U. Ebuara; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Law School, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, FCArb, OFR; and Professor Maxwell M. Gidado, SAN, OON.
Mr Felix N. Ereke also attended as the representative of the Chairman of the Body of Benchers.
Seventeen Nigerian Law School externs participated in the exercise, performing various roles as counsel for the prosecution and defence, witnesses, registrar and court clerk.
The participants were Kingsley Okpala, Yahaya Nasir, Ekaette Utibe, Ololade Olawoye, Grace Anani, Musa Sumayyah, Lawrence Emmanuel, Eleanor Iwuoha, Ni’imah Salman-Adeniyi, Oko Eboh, Onyebuchi Purity, Lazarus Favour, Anike Somebi, Oludowole Oluwaseyi, Dabota Herbert-Miller, Tolani Marufat and Tamunoibim Mietamuno Jaja.
During the proceedings, the externs demonstrated their advocacy skills while arguing a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
They also conducted the examination and cross-examination of prosecution and defence witnesses and presented arguments concerning the admissibility of documentary evidence.
The court reserved its ruling on the disputed documents.
Speaking after the proceedings, Justice Ekwo commended Gadzama and the management of J-K Gadzama LLP for sustaining the initiative and providing young lawyers with practical exposure to courtroom advocacy.
The judge urged the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School to consider making moot and mock trial exercises compulsory for all students of the institution.
According to him, such practical exercises would complement classroom instruction and better prepare aspiring lawyers for litigation and other responsibilities they would encounter after their Call to Bar.
Odusote expressed appreciation to Gadzama for his sustained commitment to the training and professional development of Nigerian Law School students and young legal practitioners.
She described the programme as a commendable intervention that equips students with practical skills and gives them an opportunity to apply legal principles in a simulated courtroom environment.
Ayorinde, Gidado and Ereke also praised Justice Ekwo for presiding over the exercise and commended Gadzama for contributing to legal education through practical court sessions and advocacy training.
They noted that initiatives of that nature help bridge the gap between academic legal instruction and the realities of professional practice.
Responding, Gadzama expressed appreciation to Justice Ekwo for presiding over the proceedings and to the distinguished guests for supporting the programme.
He recalled that the inspiration for the annual moot and mock trial came from his experience as a Nigerian Law School student in the 1980s.
According to him, the late Justice Niki Tobi organised a similar practical exercise during that period, leaving a lasting impression on him and influencing his commitment to advocacy training.
Gadzama explained that the firm’s moot court was named after the late jurist in recognition of his enduring legacy and immense contribution to legal education and the development of the Nigerian judiciary.
He commended the externs for their impressive advocacy, preparation and enthusiastic participation throughout the exercise.
The senior lawyer reaffirmed his commitment to mentoring young lawyers, promoting capacity building and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the legal profession.
The annual programme, now in its 10th year, remains one of J-K Gadzama LLP’s practical legal-training initiatives for Nigerian Law School externs and university law students.
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