‘How my father shaped my aversion for injustice’
Abdulkareem Musa comes from a family of lawyers. His father is Justice Yunusa Musa (rtd.) Three of his siblings are lawyers, while a younger one is studying law. Abdulkareem tells ELIZABETH EZE about his passion for justice, using law as a tool for development and his career aspirations.
With several family members already practising law, Abdulkareem Musa was afforded the valuable opportunity to recognise early on that the legal profession offered a means to channel his passion for justice in a constructive and impactful manner.
He said it was this lifelong drive to combat injustice that ultimately led him to the study and practice of law.
“Now, as a lawyer, I have honed the ability to address societal ills through formal, structured, and civil channels.
“I take great pride in the realisation that my legal knowledge and expertise can be leveraged not only to fight injustice but also to contribute to the development of government institutions and the strengthening of the rule of law,” he said.
Musa is from Kogi State. His father, Justice Yunusa Musa, retired as a High Court Judge. His mother is serving as Director in Kogi State Civil Service.
Despite being a Muslim, he attended Redeemer Nursery and Primary School, a Catholic institution in Kogi State.
After his secondary education at the Global College Ojokodo, he applied to study law but was unable to secure immediate admission.
Abdulkareem declined his father’s suggestion to attend a private university, preferring instead a public institution where he could freely engage in student activities.
“Initially, I was admitted to Kogi State University to study English and Linguistics at one point. I applied for a change of course and was re-admitted to Political Science. I knew these weren’t my desired path.
“I applied for another JAMB and was eventually admitted to study law. During my time at Kogi State University, I was actively involved in student politics, serving as class governor, club president, student union executive and eventually contesting for the position of SUG president which election was cancelled due to certain issues faced by the school at the time.”
Musa attended the Nigerian Law School, Bwari Campus, where he was elected Financial Secretary of the Students’ Representatives Council.
“Our Council effectively represented student interests while navigating the rigorous academic demands of the Law School.
“My leadership was recognised with an award from the Council of Legal Education,” he said.
He is pursuing a Masters Degree at Baze University, Abuja.
Musa said he possessed a deep-seated aversion to injustice and a resolute determination to stand up for the fair treatment of myself and my peers since he was a young boy.
“I simply could not abide with the sight of bullies or the unfair treatment of others. This innate sense of justice and unwillingness to overlook wrongdoing often landed me in trouble, as I refused to remain silent in the face of perceived unfairness.
“As I matured, I came to understand that my instinctive reactions had a name – a name that would come to define my professional aspirations: ‘injustice.’”
For him, the journey has been a deeply fulfilling one, as he has transformed his youthful indignation at unfairness into a mature, principled, and multifaceted approach to effecting positive change through the legal system.
He said it was this profound sense of purpose, rooted in his formative experiences, that continues to drive him in his pursuit of justice and aspiration to be a force for good in the world.
Family of multiple lawyers
“My dad has trained four of us to be lawyers and I still have a younger sibling in University studying law.
“It is true that my father’s occupation as a lawyer had a formative influence on the trajectory of my own professional ambitions.
“Observing the esteem and reverence with which he was held within his community instilled in me a sense that the legal profession was a noble and prestigious calling.
“This early exposure, combined with my innate aversion to injustice, cultivated in me a desire to emulate my father’s accomplishments and to join the ranks of those who wield the power of the law to safeguard the rights and liberties of others.
“The prospect of wielding such influence and authority, while simultaneously serving as a bulwark against societal ills, held a certain allure that was difficult to ignore.
“Thus, my father’s example played a significant role in shaping my aspirations and fueling my determination to pursue a career in the legal field.”
The pursuit of law was never a second option for him, but rather a calling that he was compelled to heed.
However, as his worldview evolved, he became increasingly concerned with the pressing needs of nation-building, particularly in a growing country like Nigeria.
“I now firmly believe that the practical sciences – fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and agricultural sciences – hold immense potential to address the country’s most pressing challenges.
“In contrast, many traditional arts-based courses may not be as immediately impactful in the current context.
“Were the path of law not available to me, I would have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to become an innovative scientist, driven by a desire to create tangible, life-changing solutions for the benefit of my fellow citizens.
“The remarkable inventions that have transformed the world, from electricity to the internet, serve as a testament to the power of human ingenuity to uplift humanity,” he said.
Law School experience
Abdulkareem was given a leadership award in recognition of his service as Financial Secretary of the Student Representative Council.
“For me, the true significance of my law school experience transcends the accolades or distinctions I may have received. Rather, it is the profound sense of purpose and the unwavering commitment to the rule of law that I have cultivated during that transformative period which stands as the truest measure of its impact.
“This driving ethos, this steadfast dedication to the principles of justice and fairness, is what continues to guide my efforts and inspire me to leverage my legal expertise in service of the greater good.
“It is this underlying motivation, this deep-seated conviction, that animates my work and propels me to champion the causes that matter most to the progress and upliftment of my society.
“Awards and honours may come and go, but the values and aspirations that have been forged within me through my legal studies will remain the enduring legacy of that experience.”
While his mother exhibited enthusiasm and celebrated his call to the bar, his father was more relaxed.
Musa, however, took solace in the fact that it was his father’s unwavering support and guidance that enabled him to reach that juncture in the first place.
He said he has profound gratitude for his father’s tireless efforts in ensuring his academic success, without which the call to the bar would not have been possible.
“By adopting this understanding perspective, I have been able to maintain a harmonious relationship with my father, one built on mutual respect and an appreciation for the sacrifices he has made to pave the way for my professional journey.”
Being son of a judge
Growing up, Abdulkareem derived a sense of pride and importance from the fact that his father held the prestigious position of High Court Judge.
However, as he matured and gained a deeper understanding of the realities of the judicial profession, his perspective on the matter evolved.
“The restricted lifestyle that often accompanies being a judge no longer held the same appeal for me.
“Furthermore, I observed that judges were not always afforded the level of dignity and respect I felt they deserved, particularly in relation to the other branches of government,” he said.
Ultimately, he realised that the path of an advocate, with its inherent liberties, was more aligned with his personal and professional aspirations.
Rather than follow in his father’s footsteps, he decided to pursue a career as a legal advocate – a choice that has allowed him to forge his own unique identity and professional trajectory.
Most embarrassing moment in court
In the legal environment, Abdulkareem was aware that there is an uncompromising standard when it comes to professional conduct in court.
He was also aware that any behaviour that could potentially cause embarrassment would be seen as a reflection on the entire firm. Fortunately, he has not had any embarrassing moments during his court appearances.
However, there was one particular incident that he found quite uncomfortable and disappointing.
While appearing before a magistrate’s court in Nasarawa State, he sought to make a bail application for a client. In doing so, he began to cite relevant legal authorities in support of his argument.
To his surprise, the other lawyers who were familiar with that particular court interrupted him and advised against citing authorities.
They explained that the magistrate did not appreciate lawyers making such references during oral arguments and that it would only serve to anger him.
“I found this practice to be rather strange and, frankly, quite mediocre. It went against my instincts as a legal advocate to thoroughly substantiate my arguments.
“However, in the interest of serving my client’s best interests, I chose not to dwell on the unfortunate episode,” he said.
Over the past five years, Abdulkareem has been privileged to gain extensive experience in the legal field.
He has had the opportunity to be part of the legal teams handling high-profile cases.
This includes representing approximately five gubernatorial candidates from various political parties in election petition cases, thanks to the guidance of his principal.
He has also had the honour of being involved in the presidential election petition, where the firm was representing one of the presidential candidates and the party.
While he enjoyed the thrill of winning many of these cases, he had also faced the reality of losing some.
However, for him, the true joy lies not in the victory itself, but in the pursuit of justice.
He told The Nation: “I approach every case with an unwavering commitment and a sense of purpose that borders on the evangelical.
“My goal is not merely to win, as I recognize that there are numerous factors that can influence the outcome of a case.
“Rather, I dedicate myself fully to ensuring that justice is served, regardless of the final verdict.
“This mindset has allowed me to maintain a balanced perspective and a steadfast dedication to my craft.
“Whether I emerge victorious or face defeat, I take immense pride in the work I do, knowing that I have given my utmost effort in service of my clients and the principles of the legal system.”
Are lawyers liars?
Musa said it was a common misconception that lawyers are liars, twisting the truth to serve their clients’ interests.
This perception, he noted, misunderstands the fundamental role of lawyers in the legal system.
“Lawyers do not deal in abstract truths, but rather, they work with the tangible facts presented as evidence.
“The distinction between facts and truth is crucial. Facts are the building blocks of a legal case – the verifiable details and documentation that can be presented in a court of law. Truth, on the other hand, is a more elusive and subjective concept, open to interpretation and debate.”
He contended that it is the court’s responsibility to determine the truth based on the facts presented by both sides.
“A person may have a compelling case, but if they lack the supporting facts and evidence, the court may be compelled to rule against them – not due to the lawyer’s deceit, but simply because the facts did not align with the desired outcome.
“This is where the importance of lawyers’ diligence and integrity comes into play.
“Lawyers are tasked with gathering, organising, and presenting the facts in the most effective manner to ensure that the court can make a well-informed decision.
“They are not arbiters of truth, but rather, facilitators of the legal process.
“It is understandable for a person to feel frustrated if they lose a case, despite believing in the righteousness of their cause.
“However, it is crucial to recognize that the legal system is predicated on the rigorous examination of facts, not on the personal convictions of the parties involved.”
He further submitted: “Lawyers are not liars. They are advocates who work tirelessly to present the facts to the court.
“The outcome of a legal case is not a reflection of the lawyer’s honesty, but rather, the court’s assessment of the available evidence.
“By understanding this fundamental principle, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the role of lawyers in the pursuit of justice.”
Should wig and gown be done away with?
Abdulkareem noted that wig and gown have long been viewed as hallmarks of the legal profession, carrying with them a sense of tradition, formality, and gravitas.
He said they serve to distinguish lawyers and judges, reinforcing the solemnity and importance of legal proceedings.
“In many common law jurisdictions, this attire has been worn for centuries, cementing it as a core part of legal culture and identity.
“However, a Justice of the Supreme Court’s perspective seems to suggest that maintaining these traditional vestments may not be fully suited to Nigeria’s unique legal landscape and cultural context.”
He also noted that there is an argument that the wig and gown, as relics of the country’s colonial past, may not resonate as strongly with modern Nigerian lawyers and the citizens they serve.
“Musa said: Adapting the professional dress code to better reflect Nigeria’s own traditions and sensibilities could help make the legal system feel more accessible and relevant to the populace.
“Ultimately, I believe this is an issue that would benefit from careful consideration and broad consultation within the Nigerian legal community.
“There are merits to both retaining the wig and gown and exploring alternative, culturally appropriate attire.
“The key is to strike a balance that upholds the gravitas of the legal profession while also fostering a sense of connection between lawyers and the citizens they serve.
“It’s a complex issue, but one worthy of robust debate and, potentially, meaningful reform.
Law professor, or SAN or both?
Abdulkareem said he was deeply committed to becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
According to him, this esteemed rank can be likened to a “priesthood of justice, which holds a profound allure for me.”
He added: “It represents the pinnacle of the legal profession and the opportunity to make an indelible mark on the legal landscape of our nation.
“I am utterly devoted to this pursuit. It aligns perfectly with my passion for the law and commitment to the administration of justice.
“The rank of a SAN demands the highest levels of legal acumen, ethical integrity, and an unyielding dedication to upholding the rule of law.
“It is a mantle that I am determined to don it, for it will allow me to utilize my skills and expertise in the most impactful way, serving as a beacon of justice and a champion for the rights of the people.”
He said the prospect of becoming a law professor, while certainly intriguing, is simply a distraction from my primary goal.
He remarked that the role of a professor holds its own merits, but for now, he has his eyes firmly set on the “priesthood of justice”.
He also did not entirely dismiss the possibility of pursuing a professorship at a later stage in my career.
“The wealth of experience and the depth of knowledge that I would gain could indeed afford me the luxury of time and the opportunity to share my expertise with the next generation of legal scholars and practitioners.
“Such a transition could serve to further cement my legacy and contribute to the ongoing development of the legal profession in Nigeria,” Musa said.
He said, however, that his unwavering focus remains on the path to becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“This is the goal that consumes my thoughts, drives my actions, and fuels my determination.
“I believe in God and I trust in his direction and timing.”
Would he like to marry a lawyer?
Musa said: “The prospect of getting married to a fellow lawyer holds a certain appeal for me.
“As I contemplate my future and the path that lies ahead, I believe that forging a union with a partner who shares my passion for the law and the pursuit of justice could indeed prove to be a tremendous asset.
“I believe that a marriage to a lawyer would allow for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique challenges and demands that come with a career in the legal profession.
“A fellow lawyer would be better equipped to provide the emotional support, the practical guidance, and the intellectual camaraderie that I may require as I navigate the complexities of my chosen path.
“Furthermore, I believe that the shared language and perspective of the law would foster a level of communication and synergy that could truly elevate the glory of our union.
“The ability to engage in substantive discussions, to collaborate on legal matters, and to draw upon each other’s expertise could serve to enrich our relationship and our individual pursuits.”
He, however, acknowledged that his aspirations in this regard have been subjected to the divine dictates that guide his life.
He said he has subjected his search for a life partner to the will of God, for he believes that the divine plan for his life will ultimately lead him to the individual who is truly meant to be his companion and support on this journey.
