Lawyers Fight In Court Over Clients, NBA Investigates

By Felix Kuyinu

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Lagos State Chapter, is investigating an alleged scubble between some lawyers who fought themselves in a Lagos court over clients.

Reports have it that the legal practitioners clashed at the Samuel Ilori Courthouse in Ogba, Ikeja.

The NBA expressed dissatisfaction over the incident in a statement by the State Secretary, Ayodeji Olabiwonnu.

In the statement, the association termed the incident disparaging and unprofessional to the ethics of the judiciary.

Extracts from the statement read: “The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, wishes to express its deep concern over the recent arrest and arraignment of some individuals, including persons alleged to be lawyers, for breach of public peace following a brawl.

“The incident, reportedly stemming from a dispute while openly haggling for clients, has caused significant embarrassment to the Branch and the legal profession in general in a manner that is capable of negatively impacting the public perception of the noble practice of law.

“While we take this development seriously, we wish to emphasise that the principles of justice and the rule of law require that all individuals involved be given the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations.

“Should the outcome of the ongoing independent investigations corroborate or confirm the allegations leveled against the individuals, the Branch will not hesitate to file appropriate petitions against all of them who are verified as lawyers before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).”