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Category: Law

  • Deploying AI, digital tools to enhance efficiency, access to justice

    Deploying AI, digital tools to enhance efficiency, access to justice

    Stakeholders in the justice system converged on Lagos a couple of weeks ago at the 2025/2026 New Legal Year Summit to discuss the current trend in cyberspace and a justice system driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    The judicial discourse which held at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos had in attendance the state’s Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, justices of the three levels of the court system – the high courts, Appeal Court and then Supreme Court of Nigeria – the magistrates court, members of the bar, arbitration experts and other key operators in the justice system who addressed the opportunities and ethical dilemmas presented by the technological revolution.

    The theme was, “Cybersecurity In An AI-Driven Justice System: The Bar, The Bench and Ethical Concerns

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat  Kekere-Ekun, in her goodwill message, acknowledged the immense potential of AI and digital tools to enhance efficiency and access to justice.

    While admitting that the future of justice is here and that it is digital, she warned however that these advancements in technology come with a significant risk. 

    CJN raises the red flags

    Justice  Kekere-Ekun stressed the urgency of the conversation, declaring that :“technology is no longer an option for the justice system; it is an imperative. 

    “Breaches of data, manipulation of electronic records, and the misuse of judicial information can severely undermine public trust”, she added.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasised  that technology should  be made to serve justice and not to become its master.

    Guide innovation,  commitment to fairness

     The bar and the bench, she said, should  work together to ensure that the innovation was guided by a commitment to fairness, impartiality, and accountability. 

    She urged all legal professionals to recommit to their core values of integrity, diligence, and service, stating that with these as a compass, technology would strengthen the delivery of justice rather than overwhelm it.

     Judiciary’s digital transformation gets Gov’s support

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), emphasised  government’s unwavering support for the judiciary’s digital transformation.

    He assured the audience that the state government would continue to invest in infrastructure, digitalisation, and capacity building to equip judges, magistrates, and lawyers for a technology-driven world.

    He admitted that for a bustling metropolis like Lagos, where the demands on the courts were immense, technological innovation was critical for ensuring timely and speedy justice.

     The governor  stressed the importance of responsible adoption, acknowledging the risks of biased algorithms, insecure data, and the potential for tampering with electronic evidence. 

    “If court systems can be infiltrated by malicious actors, then the sanctity of justice is endangered,” he  warned.

    Stakeholders tasked on state cyber laws

    Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa in his contribution to the discourse, highlighted a critical challenge in the technological development and  pointed to the lack of legal frameworks at the state level to regulate cybersecurity.

    He noted that while the State Assembly was responsible for creating laws to protect its citizens, it was currently constrained because cyber security and related issues are on the Federal Government’s exclusive list.

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    This, he argued, creates a significant gap in protecting Lagos residents.

    He urged  the panelists and other stakeholders to consider how to empower states to create their own laws on these critical issues, ensuring that the legal system could keep pace with technological advancements and protect the public interest.

    Caution against judicial portals, breaches

    The Convener@PrivCon Nigeria, Dr. Olumide Babalola, delved into  the integration of AI in everyday life, pointing to smart watches,  automated cars and home assistants like Alexa. 

    He argued that AI was not a distant concept but a pervasive force already shaping society.

    Babalola, who claimed to have had first-hand experience with the digital pitfalls of the legal world, warned of the dangers of data breaches and the manipulation of judicial portals.

    Leaning on his personal experience, he recounted how his e-filing credentials were used to file fraudulent cases without his knowledge.

    This, he said, is a clear and present danger that requires vigilance and regular auditing of digital accounts.

    He also highlighted the global trend of integrating AI into justice systems, citing examples from countries like Australia, China, the UK, and even fellow African nations like South Africa and Kenya.

    Babalola, while praising the immense workload of Nigerian judges, acknowledged the need for technology to lighten their burden.

    He argued that while the country had made progress with initiatives like e-filing in Lagos, it should continue to embrace innovation while remaining acutely aware of the ethical and security challenges that come with it.

    Judges and AI ethical, legal challenges

     Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba,  emphasised that AI had become an inescapable reality worldwide.

     He warned that the technology, while offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, also carried significant dangers, including the potential for fraud and manipulation within legal proceedings.

    “There is no escape route for us from the use of AI, which is now all-pervading globally. We must prepare ourselves to be on guard, so that we are not caught off balance by the possible dangers imminent in the near future,” Justice Alogba said.

    He stressed that Nigerian judges and lawyers should equip themselves to navigate these complex situations, balancing the benefits of AI with the ethical and legal challenges it introduces.

    The Chief Judge admitted that while AI remained a relatively new concept to many in the legal profession, it was advancing rapidly and could not be ignored.

    “We cannot run away from it. We will have to live with it. AI is changing almost daily, and if we do not keep pace, we risk being overwhelmed,” he said.

    Justice Alogba urged participants to actively engage with the summit’s discussions to leave better prepared for the evolving landscape of justice delivery.

    Earlier in a welcome address, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, highlighted the importance of the summit as a platform for bridging knowledge gaps in the judiciary. 

    She noted that AI was already transforming legal systems globally, making it imperative for Nigeria to embrace innovation while safeguarding judicial integrity.

    “The Lagos State Judiciary is committed to promoting transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness in justice delivery.

    “This summit represents a unique  opportunity towards equipping our stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital age,” Justice Oyebanji said.

    Thinktank on use of AI in Justice delivery imperative

    Chairman, Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CIArAb), Mrs. Olusola Adegbonmire. whose remit was to speak from the ADR point of view in an AI-driven systems and cyber security, stated that AI was being used for justice delivery in the sense of decision making.                                                                                                                                She stated for instance that the Nigeria Data Protection Act included provisions that required organisations to restrict automated decision-making processes with certain disclosure requirements, thereby enhancing transparency.

    Why Lagos judiciary needs  AI policy

    Mrs. Adegbonmire agreed with the views of Dr. Olumide Babalola, who in his paper  emphasised the need for the Lagos judiciary  to have an AI policy for judges.

    “It is imperative that the Nigerian judiciary and legal profession establish a comprehensive policy guidance for the judges and lawyers on the use of AI…. The policies or guidelines should disseminate clear ethical guidelines that address the responsible use of AI in legal practice. These standards should encompass competence requirements, transparency and disclosure and accountability measures.“   
    Adegbonmire also challenged the Lagos State judiciary, described as the pacesetter among all other judiciaries, to set up a thinktank  on the use of AI in Justice delivery systems, and ADR.

    Imperative of AI

    Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN) who also spoke on the theme of the summit,  expressed support for the use of the use of AI, stressing that AI  had come to stay.

    To buttress his position, he said his law firm  filed a matter in March 2025 and as at  September, 2025, the matter had not been assigned to any court.  He said if our processes were AI automated, that would never happe

    “What we need to do to be secure amongst other things is that we need as Mr. Babalola had said to have an AI policy.

    What is the use of an AI policy?

    Quoting Dr. Babalola, he said “to ensure responsible and effective use of AI, it was imperative that the Nigerian judiciary and legal profession established a comprehensive policy guidance for judges and lawyers on the use of AI…. The policies or guidelines should disseminate clear ethical guidelines that address the responsible use of AI in legal practice. These standards should encompass competence requirements, transparency and disclosure and accountability measures.

    Call for thinktank on AI programme

    He, therefore, urged the judiciaries to set up a thinktank after this programme on the use of AI in justice delivery systems including ADR.

    “Shortly after COVID, we were all excited about virtual hearings but now, we have gone way past that. The courts had a policy on virtual hearings just like many other institutions home and abroad. Now it’s AI and it is crucial we have a policy on it because of its great potential for trouble or great things.

    “Apart from policies we need to be very knowledgeable about AI and it therefore behoves us that we need to start capacity building in that area.

    Justice Eniola Fabamwo of the Ogun State Judiciary described the view presented by the main speaker, Dr. Babalola, on Cyber security in AI-Driven Justice Systems: the Bar, the Bench, and Ethical Concerns, as both timely and profound.

    According to her “AI is a tool to augment, not replace, judicial wisdom.

    She said the deployment of AI should be approached with caution. According to her, ethical oversight, data privacy and algorithmic bias must be carefully considered to avoid unintended injustice.

    She submitted that “by thoughtfully integrating these technologies, we could enhance the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of our justice system, ultimately serving Nigerians more efficiently and effectively.”

  • NBA seeks urgent review of outdated laws

    NBA seeks urgent review of outdated laws

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for an urgent review of outdated laws.

    It advocated reforms to reflect current realities.

    The association, led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), emphasised that Nigeria’s justice system cannot be shackled by laws that no longer meet the needs of its people.

    The association urged restraint and accountability in the exercise of prosecutorial powers under Sections 174 and 211 of the 1999 Constitution, while condemning systemic barriers that deny access to justice for the poor and vulnerable.

    NBA resolved to strengthen legal aid services, promote alternative dispute resolution, and expand pro bono representation, particularly for women and children.

    It also expressed concern over the fragile economy, rising inflation, and poor sequencing of government reforms.

    It urged the Federal Government to enforce a living minimum wage, curtail reckless political expenditure, and subject economic policies to rigorous impact assessments.

    These were among the recommendations made by the NBA at the end of its 65th Annual General Conference held in Enugu State, with the theme: “Stand out, stand tall.”

    A copy of the communique issued after the conference, which was held from August 22 to 28, was obtained yesterday.

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    Calls were also made for greater regional integration and the removal of trade barriers across Africa.

    Technology and innovation featured prominently in the discussions.

    While acknowledging the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for the legal profession, the NBA warned against the risks of inaccuracies and ethical misuse.

    It pledged to draft ethical guidelines on AI, promote Nigeria-specific legal models, and enhance training and mentorship to build AI literacy among lawyers.

    In tackling challenges within the profession, the NBA resolved to enforce its Remuneration Order to guarantee fair pay for young lawyers, reform legal education to emphasise practical skills and entrepreneurship, and institutionalise structured mentorship and succession planning in law firms.

    It further advocated for affirmative action to boost women’s participation in leadership and governance, alongside stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act through the creation of Child Rights Desks nationwide and the establishment of child-friendly courts.

    Arbitration reforms also took centre stage, with delegates recommending that arbitral proceedings be time-bound and appeals restricted to the Court of Appeal, while bonds be required for challenges to awards to deter frivolous litigation.

    As the curtains closed on the conference, the NBA reaffirmed its position as the conscience of the nation and a beacon of integrity and innovation, insisting that the legal profession must not only regulate itself but also shape national discourse, protect the vulnerable, and inspire public confidence in the pursuit of justice.

    The conference, held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, drew leaders of the Bar and Bench, political figures, captains of industry, civil society, and international partners.

    Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, commended the NBA’s choice of Enugu as host city and pledged his administration’s commitment to justice and democratic reforms.

    The sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who chaired the gathering, reminded delegates that law remained the foundation of peace and justice.

    He urged the legal profession to drive reforms that expand access to justice for the poor and marginalised.

    Setting the tone, South African legislator and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, delivered a keynote address.

    He challenged African lawyers to “decolonise the law” and dismantle oppressive structures that still reflect colonial legacies.

    “The African Bar must reject being mere enforcers of outdated colonial laws, and instead become innovators who drive transformation in justice, governance, and economic emancipation,” he said.

  • Stakeholders to BPD: embrace digital justice for the future

    Stakeholders to BPD: embrace digital justice for the future

    The Bureau of Public Defender (BPD) has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a  call from stakeholders to the agency to embrace digital justice and innovation as the next phase of its service to the  people of Lagos.

    The advice was given at the BPD’s Silver Jubilee ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.

    The event brought together judges, senior advocates, government officials, and civil society partners under the theme “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future.”

    In his keynote address, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the OPD as a “legacy institution” that has provided free legal aid to vulnerable citizens since its establishment in 2000.

    He highlighted the agency’s achievements, noting that it had handled over 200,000 petitions, recovered N815 million and $52,000 in compensation, and transformed countless lives.

    “The future must be about reforms and digitalisation. We cannot remain static in a rapidly-changing justice world,” Pedro said.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Dada, lauded the bureau’s evolution and upgrade earlier this year.

    She revealed that within just six years, the OPD had handled 50,000 court cases with an 86 per cent  success rate and resolved 14,000 petitions through mediation.

    “Our next chapter must leverage technology to expand access and efficiency in justice delivery,” she said.

    The Ex-Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, hailed the OPD as “a pillar of hope for the indigent and marginalised.”

    A panel session, moderated by Justice Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos State High Court, focused on technology as the key to solving OPD’s operational challenges.

    Dr. Babajide Martins, Director of Public Prosecution, called for automation of work processes, digital applications, and OPD service apps.

    “With a single click, people should access justice. Digitalisation is no longer optional,” he declared.

    Professor Iyabode Oguniran, an expert in child and gender law, stressed the need for a stronger digital presence.

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    She urged improvements in the bureau’s website, data transparency, and online case reporting, warning that failure to modernise could hinder OPD’s ability to tackle emerging crimes such as cyber fraud.

    Echoing the same concern, Mrs. Uchenna Akingbade, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, highlighted the need for digital platforms to strengthen pro bono collaborations and ease the agency’s workload.

    “Our colleagues in OPD face overwhelming files daily. Technology can make private–public legal partnerships seamless,” she said.

    The OPD was established in July 2000 by the then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) as Attorney-General.

    Conceived as a bold response to the urgent need to provide free legal services to indigent Lagosians, the agency had since grown from a modest unit under the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights to a full-fledged bureau with headquarters in Surulere and nine offices across the state, including Ikorodu, Ajah, Epe, and Badagry.

    As stakeholders reflected on OPD’s legacy, they agreed that while the past 25 years had been marked by courage and success, the next quarter-century should be defined by technology-driven reforms, strategic partnerships, and continuous innovation to ensure that justice in Lagos remained accessible to all.

  • Judges, lawyers push insolvency reforms at BRIPAN conference

    Judges, lawyers push insolvency reforms at BRIPAN conference

    Judges, lawyers, and business recovery experts have called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s insolvency framework, stressing that effective restructuring mechanisms were critical to rescuing distressed businesses and safeguarding jobs, Anne Agbi reports.

    Nigeria’s insolvency ecosystem must evolve beyond liquidation and punitive approaches if businesses are to survive the country’s turbulent economy, judges, lawyers, and business recovery practitioners have said.

    They spoke at the 2025 Annual International Insolvency Conference of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN), which opened on Thursday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day event had the theme: “Deepening Insolvency Tools for Resolving Commercial and Financial Challenges of Businesses.”

    The conference drew participants from the judiciary, bar, academia, and business sectors, with robust conversations on insolvency enforcement, cross-border challenges, alternative dispute resolution, the role of courts, and the emerging impact of artificial intelligence on restructuring practice.

    Stakeholders at the conference spotlighted emerging issues such as the use of insolvency tools in enforcing arbitration awards, deepening practice post-CAMA 2020, the impact of Nigeria’s new tax regime on restructuring, and the establishment of the Federal High Court Insolvency Unit.

    They further reinforced the message that insolvency was not a death sentence but a chance for renewal.

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    Insolvency as business rescue

    Delivering a keynote on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, Justice Akintayo Aluko stressed that insolvency should be understood as a tool for business rescue rather than the end of a company’s life.

    “A state of insolvency does not necessarily signal the end of a business,” Justice Tsoho said firmly.

    “An insolvency practitioner must adopt the right tools, whether receivership, administration, merger, or arrangement in the best interest of both creditor and debtor companies. Insolvency must be approached as an opportunity for corporate renewal, if practitioners act with professionalism, they can prevent avoidable job losses and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s markets.”

    He warned practitioners against abusing their privileged access to confidential information: “An insolvency practitioner must never use information obtained during proceedings for personal gain. Integrity, impartiality, transparency, and confidentiality are non-negotiable qualities of the profession.”

    Justice Tsoho highlighted gaps in the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and called for stronger oversight of practitioners through licensing, training, and post-appointment assessments.

    Shift from liquidation to rescue

    Justice Victoria Nwoye of the Court of Appeal described insolvency frameworks as “economic stabilizers” capable of saving jobs and reallocating capital productively.

    “Insolvency is not the end of the road. It is a recalibration of economic relationships,” she said.

    “The conversation must move from liquidation to business rescue. Courts, regulators, and practitioners all have a duty to prevent businesses from collapsing unnecessarily. Nigeria must shift from punitive approaches to bold, inclusive, and forward-looking reforms that give businesses a genuine second chance.”

    She identified five areas for reform: preventive restructuring frameworks, simplified insolvency procedures for SMEs, technology-driven case management, a culture of rescue over liquidation, and stronger cross-border cooperation.

    ADR and Insolvency

    Justice Onyekachi Otisi stressed that while courts were central to insolvency, they were overburdened and needed complementary mechanisms.

    “Overall cost of insolvency proceedings remains a burden, some other jurisdictions have blended ADR and insolvency successfully, particularly in settling pre-insolvency issues with a view to rescuing and restructuring ailing companies. Nigeria can borrow lessons, but we must adapt to our own institutional capacity.

    “I strongly recommend ADR be used for pre-insolvency negotiations and restructuring, while courts remain responsible for legitimising, supervising, and enforcing outcomes. With clear rules and professional standards, BRIPAN is well placed to advise on how ADR can be integrated. If achieved, Nigeria can build a more efficient, credible, and investor-friendly insolvency system.”

    Courts and Corporate Rescue

    Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, focused on the role of Nigerian courts in promoting corporate rescue through Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) introduced under CAMA 2020.

    He said: “Company Voluntary Arrangements provide companies in financial distress with a lifeline. Directors can sit with creditors, restructure debts, and give businesses breathing space, but the courts must provide speedy oversight to ensure CVAs are legitimate and effective, because matters involving businesses are highly time-sensitive.”

    Owoeye urged synergy between BRIPAN and the judiciary to develop rules of court that would fast-track insolvency proceedings and recommended specialized training for judges on the intricacies of rescue mechanisms.

    Cross-Border Challenges and Fraud

    Adding a regional perspective, Managing Partner Ligomarc Advocates Kampala, Uganda and INSOL Fellow, Kabiito Karamage shared a case study of cross-border fraud and asset recovery in East Africa.

    “We discovered that some assets in Uganda had been sold for as little as five to ten percent of their value, and the proceeds were diverted into an individual’s account in Kenya.

    “To complicate matters, key company data was being controlled from Kenyan servers. It became a battle between law and pragmatism. We had to strike a court settlement judgment that recognized Kenyan claims but preserved Ugandan assets under the control of local receivers”, Karamage recounted.

    He noted that such cases underscore the need for international cooperation, stronger enforcement frameworks, and vigilance against insider abuse in insolvency practice.

    NBA Endorsements

    President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), praised BRIPAN’s role in advancing commercial law practice.

    Osigwe said: “The theme of this year’s conference comes at a critical time when business recovery, corporate restructuring, and insolvency resolution have assumed even greater importance in strengthening our economy and preserving the sanctity of commercial transactions.

    “The NBA recognizes BRIPAN as a dependable ally in promoting global best practices in insolvency frameworks. This conference is not just about technicalities; it is about safeguarding commercial transactions and creating a resilient economy.”

    NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Uchenna Akingbade, emphasized the human dimension of insolvency practice.

    “Insolvency today is not only about liquidation or receivership. It is about safeguarding livelihoods, protecting stakeholders, and ensuring continuity over closure.

    “The Lagos Branch has intentionally strengthened its collaboration with BRIPAN, training our members to function effectively as insolvency practitioners. For many lawyers, insolvency knowledge is not only a professional asset but a practical tool in managing their own enterprises. Properly managed insolvency preserves jobs, protects stakeholders, and strengthens the wider economy”, she said.

    A Lifeline, not a last resort

    Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee and BRIPAN’s first Vice President, Albert Folorunsho,  described insolvency as a lifeline for businesses navigating economic turbulence.

    He said: “Insolvency law and practice now stand at the crossroads of economic recovery and business sustainability. As opposed to being seen as an end, insolvency has become a means of rescue, restructuring, and rebirth. Each session of this conference is designed not just to exchange knowledge but to provoke thought, inspire action, and strengthen our collective resolve.”

    He added that the judiciary’s role in interpreting and entrenching a culture of rescue cannot be overstated.

    “This conference is more than an event, it is a commitment to shaping a system where insolvency not only resolves disputes but also preserves businesses, protects jobs, and strengthens our economy,” he concluded.

  • NBA-LEC  urges lawyers to integrate ESG into practice

    NBA-LEC  urges lawyers to integrate ESG into practice

    The Legal Education Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-LEC) has called on lawyers to fully integrate corporate due diligence on environment, social, governance (ESG) and human rights, when providing counsel.

    They also called on governments at all levels to provide increased funding for legal education in Nigeria in order to enhance the development of climate-competent lawyers that could effectively advise clients on global best practices relating to climate change, biodiversity, pollution control and sustainable development in infrastructure and development projects.

    These recommendations were made at the 3rd online seminar series on Legal Education organised by the NBA-LEC.

    Recall that as part of the NBA’s efforts to enhance legal education and practice in Nigeria, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), inaugurated the Legal Education Committee under the leadership of Professor Damilola Sunday Olawuyi (SAN), Deputy Vice Chancellor at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), with the mandate to promote and advance functional legal education in Nigeria, especially through training sessions and conferences on modern teaching approaches.

     In exercise of this mandate, the NBA-LEC introduced the Webinar Series on Legal Education Series, a gathering of academic, legal practitioners and industry experts to discuss practical approaches for promoting the reform and transformation of legal education in Nigeria.

    This third edition of the series recorded a huge turn-out of more than 850 attendees.

    While welcoming delegates to the workshop, Chairman of the NBA-LEC, Prof.  Olawuyi, highlighted that the rapid introduction of ESG standards in legislation, industry guidelines, and contracts worldwide to address planetary emergencies, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution in key sectors, is transforming the legal profession, especially the meaning of contractual due diligence and the way we practise and teach law.

     According to the learned Silk, “to be a competent lawyer in this rapidly -changing regulatory landscape included being commercially aware of climate and energy transition risks.

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    “It is for this purpose in that we have put together this Webinar Series to provide an opportunity for stakeholders in legal education, particularly faculty, students, and administrators to explore how to tailor legal education to meet contemporary realities and needs.

    ”On his part, the keynote speaker, the Dean and Professor of Law, Essex Law School, University of Essex, United Kingdom, Prof. Onyeka K. Osuji, highlighted the nature, scope and application of ESG in transactional and regulatory context.

    He noted that the emerging ESG standards placed additional duty of care on lawyers to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, dispositions and competencies required to provide risk-free legal advice in today’s rapidly- changing world.

    Drawing from his extensive experience in the UK, the erudite professor also stressed that to effectively perform these roles, legal educators must integrate practical skills in legal education and training both at the university and bar training.

    Moderated by the chairperson of the Webinar Series subcommittee of NBA-LEC, Ozioma Soludo, who is also an associate at KENNA, the ensuing panel discussion featured insightful contributions from leading practitioners from Nigeria and beyond.

    The panelists, Mrs Folashade Alli, (SAN), one of the leading arbitrators in Nigeria with about 40 years’ practice experience and current Chairperson of the Section on Legal Practice of the Nigerian Bar Association;  a Professor of Energy, Climate and Environmental Law and Policy at Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Prof. Ayodele Morocco-Clarke and  a partner at the global law firm, Webber Wentzel and member of the Business and Human Rights Committee of the International Bar Association, Paula-Ann Novotny, expertly analysed the meaning of ‘climate-competent lawyering’ in Nigerian and global contexts.

    The discussions also examined the ESG imperatives and the challenges and opportunities for legal education and professional training; the urgent need for universities to integrate climate change and ESG into law curricula and professional standards, as well as comparative perspectives and lessons from global best practices in climate-related legal education.

    The speakers also highlighted the future role of lawyers in advancing sustainability and regulatory compliance in line with global best practices.

    While discussing the way forward, the workshop commended the NBA leadership for providing the innovative platform to reflect on the way forward and called for the swift implementation of the NBA Legal Education Endowment Fund which could go a long way in mobilizing financial support for infrastructure and technology upgrade to implement practice-focused training in universities.

    While calling on law firms, companies and other stakeholders to contribute to the Fund, the workshop also called for more joint research projects between NBA and law faculties, as well as tailored research programs and subsidized conferences for academic lawyers, as a way of incorporating theoretical and practical law aspects in the profession.

  • MRA seeks better access to environmental information

    MRA seeks better access to environmental information

    The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has urged the Federal and state governments to strengthen access to environmental information, warning that Nigeria risks worsening ecological, health, and economic crises without greater transparency and public participation.

    The group made the call on Monday in Lagos while launching a new report titled “Access to Environmental Information and the Cost of Ignorance in Nigeria,” to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

    The report titled; “Access to Environmental Information and the Cost of Ignorance in Nigeria”, highlighted the country’s severe challenges, including deforestation, flooding, desertification, oil pollution in the Niger Delta, poor plastic waste management, and worsening air and water quality. It warned that these problems threatened ecosystems, livelihoods, and national stability.

    MRA’s Programme Officer, Ayomide Eweje, said the human and financial costs were staggering, citing billions of dollars in damages, widespread displacement, and thousands of lives lost annually.

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    She argued that citizens could not effectively participate in environmental governance or protect their rights without timely and reliable information.

    “Critical to a national response framework is the right of citizens to access timely and reliable environmental information, without which their effective participation in environmental governance and the protection of their rights would not be possible.

    “Ensuring access to environmental information is not just about compliance with the law alone; it is also about empowering people to protect their health, livelihoods, and environment, and to hold duty bearers accountable.”

    The report reviewed Nigeria’s legal and policy frameworks, including the Freedom of Information Act, the Climate Change Act, and environmental regulations under NESREA, as well as international commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the Maputo Convention.

    It identified weak enforcement, lack of proactive disclosure by agencies, and the exclusion of rural women and other marginalized groups as key obstacles.

    MRA recommended stronger enforcement of disclosure laws, the creation of open-access data portals with real-time updates on pollution, deforestation, and climate risks, and investment in rural digital access.

    It also called on civil society and the media to monitor and report environmental hazards, stressing the urgency of transparency in addressing Nigeria’s environmental crises.

  • Centre warns lawyers against aiding financial crimes

    Centre warns lawyers against aiding financial crimes

    Deputy Project Director at the African Centre for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, Obialunamma Nnaobi-Ayodele, has called on Nigerian legal practitioners to be vigilant and ensure their services are not exploited for illicit activities.

    He urged lawyers to guard against money laundering, illicit financial flows and terrorist financing, which could inadvertently compromise the integrity of the legal profession.

    The African Centre has been working closely with the Nigerian Bar Association Anti-Money Laundering Committee (NBA AMLC) to develop critical tools and initiatives, including a comprehensive AML/CFT risk assessment for Nigeria’s legal sector.

    Addressing the legal experts at a one-day training of trainers (TOT) workshop for the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) branches across the country on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance and Use of the NBA Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism(AML/CFT) Portal held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Nnaobi-Ayodele cautioned them to ensure that their services were not used to aid illicit financial activities.

    He said money laundering remained a global menace, adding that every day, new methods and channels were devised by criminals to conceal illicit proceeds.

    Nnaobi-Ayodele, a legal expert, noted that as a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession(DNFBP), the legal profession was particularly vulnerable to exploitation by “criminal elements,” who disguise as clients for legal services.

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    He said as legal practitioners, “we have a duty to ensure that our services are never used, knowingly or unknowingly, for money laundering, terrorist financing, or related illicit financial flows across the country.”

    According to him, the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Bar Association branches and compliance experts in understanding and applying Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards.

    “This workshop has been carefully designed to strengthen the capacity of the NBA branches and the compliance experts in understanding and applying Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism(AML/CFT) standards,” he said.

    Represented by the Programme Officer of the Centre,  Jerusa Nimfel, Nnaobi-Ayodele argued that legal practitioners by virtue of their profession were on the frontline of protecting the integrity of both the justice system and their profession from misuse.

    “As legal practitioners, we are on the frontline of protecting the integrity of both the justice system and our profession from misuse.”

    The workshop covered four key objectives on building the knowledge and capacity of NBA branch representatives and compliance experts on(AML/CFT) legal frameworks, obligations and risk based approaches, equipping in-house trainers who can step down this knowledge and further strengthen compliance at the branch level, improving compliance among legal practitioners with respect to both national and international standard as well as safeguarding law firms and practitioners from being misused to facilitate illicit activities.

    It also featured lecture on overview of the rules of professional conduct and other AML/CFT regulatory frameworks for lawyers in Nigeria as well as reporting obligations for legal practitioners, suspicious transactions/reporting (ST/R) by an AML expert, Chris Ogwuala.

  • 35-year-old man jailed for internet fraud

    35-year-old man jailed for internet fraud

    • By Moyinoluwa Oshunkeye and Kafayat Alabi

    The Ikeja High Court, presided over by Justice Olufunmilayo  Ijelu, has sentenced a 35-year-old furniture maker, Yusuf Abiodun Odunolu, to six months’ imprisonment for engaging in internet fraud.

    Odunolu, an O’Level certificate holder, was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on September 24, 2025, at Lekki, Lagos.

    At the time of his arrest, an iPhone 12 Pro Max was recovered from him and subsequent analysis of the device revealed documents linked to fraudulent online dating activities.

    When arraigned in court, Odunolu pleaded guilty to the charges.

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    His counsel, however, pleaded for leniency, stressing that the defendant was a first-time offender, genuinely remorseful, had aged parents to care for, and importantly, the defence counsel also argued that the defendant had not derived any financial benefit from the fraudulent application found on his phone.

    After considering the plea, Justice Ijelu convicted Odunolu and sentenced him to six months in prison.

    The court, however, gave the convict an option of fine in the sum of N300,000  payable within 30 days.

    The court also ordered him to submit a written undertaking to the EFCC, pledging to be of good behavior henceforth.

  • Senior lawyer, magistrate, others suggest ways to enhance criminal justice system

    Senior lawyer, magistrate, others suggest ways to enhance criminal justice system

    …ACJA amendment bill ready in few days – Prof Akinseye-George

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Yemi Akinseye-George, and other criminal justice sector stakeholders have suggested ways to enhance the effectiveness of the system in the country.

    They stressed the importance of continuous reforms and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders as a measure to ensure improved service delivery within the criminal justice system.

    Akinseye-George, who is the President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), and the other stakeholders spoke in Abuja at a capacity building workshop on the emerging trends in the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJA/ACJL).

    The event, attended by senior officials from relevant criminal justice sector agencies, was organised by the CSLS, in partnership with the Rule is Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.

    Among the other stakeholders who spoke were Mrs. Idayat Akanni (Director of Magistrates at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT); Mrs. Muinat Adeleye (Deputy Director, Prosecution and Legal Services at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA), and Abdullahi Danjuma, a senior official with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

    Akinseye-George noted that since the ACJA came into existence about 10 years ago, the criminal justice system has witnessed some positive trends, which are reflected in the enthusiasm exhibited by key stakeholders.

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    He added that the leadership of the criminal justice sector, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Supreme Court, “has demonstrated a very positive attitude towards the implementation of these laws.”

    Akinseye-George, however, expressed concern about emerging negative trends, which he said were beginning to work against the objectives of the laws.

    He said, apart from the fact that the AGF has constituted a National Working Group to oversee the implementation of the ACJA/ACJLs, he also recently conducted a stakeholders’ forum to review the ACJA amendment bill 2023.

    Akinseye-George disclosed that “efforts are currently being made to finalise the final draft of that amendment bill.

    “We have been assured that once works are completed on the bill, it will be forwarded to the National Assembly within the next few days.

    “We want to use this opportunity to appeal to the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to promptly set in motion the legislative processes required for the passage of the improved ACJA,” he said.

    Akinseye-George said the negative trends noticed in the implementation of the laws are associated with identified important gaps which are inherent in, among others, the existing weak pre-trial case management system.

    Akinseye-George added, “It is because of the weakness of the pre-trial case management system that many of our courts have continued to adjourn criminal cases for more than 14 days, which is the minimum standard provided for in the ACJA.”

    He noted that although the current position of the law is that no court has the power to grant a stay of proceedings in criminal cases in the country, some judges were still doing so and also deploying the trial-within-trial procedure to delay proceedings.

    Akinseye-George urged the trial courts (both Magistrates and the High Courts) to do away with the practice where applications for objection to the admissibility of confessional statements lead to a prolonged trial-within-trial that often results in delay in the actual trial.

    He added, “We appeal to our courts to adopt the new approach, which allows the prosecution to front-load its evidence in support of the voluntariness of the confessional statements.

    “And when the prosecution’s evidence is front-loaded, the defence is given the opportunity, when presenting its case, to also present counter-evidence to support its position that the statements were not made voluntarily.

    “There is no need to conduct a separate trial from the main trial, just because of the disagreement about the voluntariness or otherwise of the said confessional statements.

    “The judge can simply resolve this issue while reviewing the entire case at judgment to determine, from available evidence, whether or not the statements were made voluntarily and decide whether or not to rely on such confessional statements,” he said.

    Akanni stressed the need to continue to reform the criminal justice system and the applicable laws to ensure their continuous relevance.

    She said, “We are living in a rapidly evolving society, a society shaped by technological advances, shifting social norms, rising demands for transparency, and an increasingly informed public that seeks justice not just as a concept, but as a lived reality.

    “In such a dynamic context, the laws that guide our justice system must not stand still. For when laws fail to adapt, they risk becoming tools of delay, and in time, instruments of denial.

    “Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where tradition must engage innovation, and where the legal system must continue to balance the scales of justice with both wisdom and foresight,” Mrs. Akanni said.

    Danjuma stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address existing challenges in the system to ensure effectiveness.

    He also called for improved adoption of the non-custodial option as a way of decongesting the various correctional centres.

  • NBA lauds BRIPAN’s role in law reform

    NBA lauds BRIPAN’s role in law reform

    President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has described the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) as a dependable partner in advancing reforms that will reposition Nigeria’s commercial and insolvency law practice.

    This was stated at the opening of BRIPAN’s 2025 Annual International Insolvency Conference.

    The two-day conference, held on September 25 and 26 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, had as its theme: “Deepening Insolvency Tools for Resolving Commercial and Financial Challenges of Businesses.”

    In his goodwill message, Osigwe said the association had consistently contributed to shaping business recovery processes and enhancing the legal framework for insolvency.

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    “BRIPAN has remained a dependable ally to the Nigerian Bar Association in strengthening the practice of commercial law and in developing pragmatic solutions to the challenges of insolvency.

    “This conference presents another opportunity to deepen knowledge, sharpen skills, and reimagine insolvency practice in ways that promote economic growth and protect businesses. Our hope is that the deliberations here will lead to concrete reforms that safeguard jobs and build investor confidence in Nigeria.”

    BRIPAN President, Chimezie Ihekweazu, SAN, said the association had stepped up its training programmes and regulatory engagements to expand capacity in the field.

    He informed over 1,100 members had been trained within the past year, and draft Insolvency Practice Directions had been concluded for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal High Court.

    Ihekweazu said: “Our mission is clear, to build a modern insolvency framework that not only resolves financial distress but also gives viable businesses a second chance at survival.

    “We have worked tirelessly on capacity development and regulatory reforms, including draft practice directions for our superior courts. These are deliberate steps to ensure that insolvency practice in Nigeria is not only globally competitive but also tailored to the realities of our economy.

    “The goal is to create a system where business rescue is possible, where creditors are treated fairly, and where entrepreneurship can thrive without the fear of arbitrary collapse.”

    Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Albert Folorunsho, stressed that the event went beyond academic debate, describing it as a practical commitment to shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy through insolvency reforms.

    “This gathering is not just an academic exercise or a ritual conference. It is about building a framework where insolvency is not seen as the end of a business, but as a process of preservation, continuity, and recovery.

    “It is about protecting jobs, securing investments, and giving our economy the resilience it needs to compete globally. Every session and every conversation at this conference must translate into tangible reforms that will strengthen the Nigerian insolvency landscape.”