The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has accused Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja of professional misconduct and given him 14 days to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for allegedly promoting and circulating materials that advocate for an illegal “privileged rank” for lawyers.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
In a letter dated December 9, 2025, NBA General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara said Jaja’s actions violate the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) and the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC). The association warned that the materials he allegedly circulated attempt to create an alternative recognition system for lawyers, contrary to the law, and risk misleading the public while undermining the prestige of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank.
The NBA’s letter, which cited videos, reports, and other online publications, accused Jaja of advocating a title that mimics the SAN rank. The association outlined several concerns:
1. Exclusive Authority of LPPC
The NBA referenced Section 5 of the Legal Practitioners Act, noting that only the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has the power to confer the SAN rank. It said no individual or association may create or promote a parallel title.
2. Alleged Professional Misconduct
The NBA cited Rule 74 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, describing Jaja’s actions as professional misconduct punishable under the LPA. It warned that promoting a rival rank could create confusion in the legal profession and diminish the SAN’s legitimacy.
3. Mandatory Response Requirements
Jaja is required to submit a detailed written explanation within 14 days. His response must include:
- A witness statement on oath, deposed in a designated court
- Passport photographs
- Up to 20 copies of his response
- Material facts arranged in numbered paragraphs
- Supporting documents
- His full name, Supreme Court Enrolment Number, and contact information
- Details of any witnesses
The NBA noted that failure to respond will not stop its disciplinary process. If a prima facie case is established from available documents, the panel may proceed without hearing from him. All responses are to be submitted to the NBA National Secretariat at Plot 1001, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Area, Abuja.
The development comes as Jaja faces separate legal troubles. On December 9, 2025, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory issued an ex parte interim injunction restraining him and Barrister Lilian Okenwa, Editor-in-Chief of Law and Society Magazine, from publishing further derogatory materials against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Monday Onyekachi Ubani. That defamation suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4411/2025, is adjourned to December 16, 2025.
Jaja, a known commentator on legal reforms, has yet to publicly respond to the NBA’s notice.
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