The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has concluded its quarterly meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, with far-reaching resolutions on professional regulation, judicial independence, security concerns, and electoral integrity.
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The meeting, held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Muhammed Indimi International Conference Centre, brought together National Officers, Past National Officers, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Branch Chairmen and Secretaries, and other stakeholders from across the country.
NEC reaffirmed its support for the proposed Legal Practitioners Act (Amendment) Bill, clarifying widespread misconceptions about the legislation. The Association emphasized that the Bill strengthens the NBA’s central regulatory role, including increased representation on the Body of Benchers and the establishment of an Ethics, Adherence, and Enforcement Committee.
The proposed Committee will be empowered to investigate complaints against legal practitioners, inspect law offices and professional records, prosecute cases of professional misconduct, advise on ethical standards, and encourage alternative dispute resolution for minor complaints.
NEC noted that ongoing engagements with the Attorney General of the Federation aim to refine aspects of the Bill, including adjustment of mandatory pupillage from two years to one year, review of eligibility for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria from fifteen years to ten years post-call, and clarification of NBA nomination rights to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee.
The Association challenged the legality of the Nigeria Police Force’s motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy before the Federal High Court, Abuja, arguing that it lacked statutory authority, constituted unlawful revenue generation, and imposed undue hardship on citizens.
NEC noted that engagement with the Inspector-General of Police resulted in the suspension of enforcement pending the determination of the suit. The Council called on all NBA Branches and the Human Rights Committee to provide legal support to affected citizens and resolved to initiate committal proceedings against any officer who disobeys court orders.
NEC strongly condemned the resurgence of violent criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory, which led to the tragic deaths of Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, a legal practitioner and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch.
The Council described the incidents as symptomatic of a deteriorating security situation and called on the Honourable Minister of the FCT and the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate and coordinated action to dismantle criminal networks. NEC demanded transparent investigations, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators to restore public confidence in security institutions.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of Princess Chigbo Mediatrix.
In a significant disciplinary matter, NEC categorically disclaimed the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, who was convicted for stealing over N2 billion in pension funds, as ‘Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch’ by the suspended Chairman, Anthony Bamidele Ojo.
The Association condemned the conduct as a grave breach of professional ethics and commenced disciplinary proceedings against the Chairman. However, NEC resolved that the National Executive may use discretion to withdraw disciplinary proceedings if the chairman shows genuine remorse.
NEC reiterated that the Association will not lend its platform to condone corruption, influence judicial proceedings, or launder the image of convicted persons. All Branches, Sections, Fora, and organs of the NBA were urged to desist from appointing non-lawyers or convicted persons as patrons.
A Committee was constituted to develop comprehensive procedures and guidelines for the appointment of patrons and the conferment of awards by all organs of the Association.
NEC ratified the launch of the Kanu Agabi, CON, SAN, Young Lawyers Co-Working Space at the NBA National Secretariat, Abuja. The facility, funded by Chief James Onoja, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Welfare Committee, provides young lawyers with access to professional workspaces, mentoring, and collaborative opportunities.
NBA Branches were encouraged to replicate similar initiatives nationwide in collaboration with Young Lawyers’ Fora.
NEC expressed concern over a proposed Bill redefining terrorism by removing ideological, political, or religious elements and expanding mandatory death penalties to kidnapping-related offences.
The Council recommended restricting terrorism classification to organised criminal networks with coercive intent, replacing mandatory death sentences with discretionary sentencing, providing clear statutory defences, and harmonising federal and state criminal laws.
NEC noted that preparations for the 2026 Annual General Conference commenced on January 16, 2026, with the unveiling of the Conference theme “Beyond Limits” and logo. The Conference is scheduled to hold in August 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The theme calls on the legal profession to transcend conventional boundaries, embrace innovation, and respond decisively to evolving demands of justice and governance.
NEC noted the inauguration of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to conduct the 2026 National Officers’ elections. The Committee is chaired by Mr. Aham Eke-Ejelam, SAN, with additional members approved to ensure transparency, neutrality, integrity, and professionalism.
However, NEC expressed deep concern over the growing trend of excessive spending by aspirants in the forthcoming NBA National Officers elections, warning that monetization of the electoral process undermines the integrity of the Association.
NEC approved the introduction of an end-to-end NBA Digital Seal System to complement the physical Stamp and Seal. The system will enable lawyers to affix secure digital signatures to electronic documents. Complimentary digital seal packs were approved for lawyers between zero and seven years post-call.
NEC expressed grave concern over the prolonged detention of Mr. Bright Emeka Ngene due to repeated delays in hearing his appeal. The Council approved the constitution of a seven-member Committee chaired by Mr. Sammie Somiari, SAN, to engage the Chief Judge of Enugu State.
NEC resolved that failure to fix a hearing date within two weeks will result in further actions, including court boycotts and legal challenges.
NEC also addressed concerns regarding irregular promotions in the Nigeria Police Force, visits to politicians by judicial officers, the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, the rising incidence of fake lawyers, and legislative integrity regarding tax reform acts.
COMMUNIQUE-ISSUED-AT-THE-MAIDUGURI-NECThe Association reaffirmed its commitment to professional regulation, judicial independence, and the rule of law, resolving to remain principled, proactive, and firm in the defence of legality and constitutional governance.
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