*Says His Right To Practise Remains Unaffected
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Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN, has responded to the direction delivered on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee in Complaint No. BB/LPDC/1314/2024, instituted by Mr Chris Alashi against Ocha P. Ulegede, Esq., and himself, confirming that the Committee found against him and directed his suspension from legal practice for a period of three years, and stating that he has instructed his legal team to file an immediate appeal.
Gadzama disclosed that his statement was issued before he had sight of the full direction.
“My attention has been drawn to the direction delivered today, 29 July 2026, by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee in Complaint No. BB/LPDC/1314/2024, instituted by Mr Chris Alashi against Ocha P. Ulegede, Esq. and myself,” he stated.
“I have been informed that the Committee found against me and directed that I be suspended from legal practice for a period of three years. While I am yet to receive or review the certified true copy of the direction, I have instructed my legal team to file an immediate appeal,” Gadzama stated.
Gadzama set out the statutory position on the effect of an appeal.
“Pursuant to section 11(8)(a) of the Legal Practitioners Act, the filing of an appeal within the prescribed time prevents the direction from taking effect pending the determination of the appeal,” he stated.
He later reiterated the point directly to those who deal with him professionally: “I wish to reassure my clients, colleagues, friends and the general public that, upon the filing of the appeal within the time prescribed by law, my right to practise as a legal practitioner remains unaffected pending the final determination of the appeal, in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.”
Gadzama was careful to separate his respect for the regulatory framework from his disagreement with the outcome.
“I hold the institutions established to regulate the legal profession in the highest regard and remain firmly committed to the rule of law. However, I respectfully disagree with the Committee’s decision and firmly believe that it is not supported by the evidence or the applicable law,” he stated.
Gadzama set out the substance of the complaint and his response to it.
“The complaint against me alleged that I improperly took over another lawyer’s brief, solicited clients and wrongfully appropriated professional fees. Those allegations are, with respect, unfounded,” he stated.
“I was retained directly by the Judgment Creditors through written letters of instruction and acted throughout strictly in accordance with that professional retainer. In my respectful view, the documentary evidence before the Committee does not support the findings made against me,” Gadzama stated.
Gadzama raised a jurisdictional objection to the character of the proceedings themselves.
“It is equally important to note that the complaint fundamentally arose from a dispute concerning legal representation and professional fees. I remain firmly convinced that the disciplinary process was not the appropriate forum for resolving such issues,” he stated.
Gadzama indicated where the matter is now headed.
“I have every confidence that the Supreme Court will carefully consider the legal and factual issues raised by this matter and arrive at a just determination,” he stated.
He closed with an expression of thanks and a restatement of commitment.
“I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, goodwill and prayers I have received from colleagues, clients, friends and members of the public. I remain steadfast in my commitment to the legal profession, the administration of justice and the highest standards of professional integrity,” Gadzama stated.
“I trust in the judicial process and remain confident that justice will ultimately prevail,” he concluded.
The statement was signed by J-K Gadzama, SAN.
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