The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lawyer

  • ‘Why I can’t marry a lawyer’

    Adekunle Adekoya is a 2009 law graduate of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. He tells ADEBISI ONANUGA how young lawyers can overcome poor remunerations. 

    Background

    I was born in Lagos but I am from Ogun State. I am the first born of my parents. I graduated from the Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State in the 2009 and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus. I was called to Nigerian Bar in 2012.

    Choice of Law

    Well, my uncle, Professor Olusegun Yerokun, the then Dean, Faculty  of Law at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos who I took as my father, encouraged me to study Law. I actually wanted to study Mass Communication.

    Other lawyers in the family                 

    No, I don’t have anyone

    How family or friends celebrated his graduation as a lawyer

    My parents were so glad on my call date and some of my friends. My father gave out his best just to ensure I became a lawyer today.

    Greatest challenges while practising      

    The supporting staff in Judiciary have always been my greatest challenge, particularly when you want to file court processes at the court registry – moving from one office to another. I had a challenge recently where I had filed court processes for tenancy matter at Yaba Magistrates Court Registry.

    Believing that I was done with what was required of me, but to my surprise, I went to the court assigned for my matter on the day for the case, I was informed by the Court Registrar that the file for my suit had not been brought to the court. Luckily for me on that day, the Magistrate was on leave. I was told to go to the Records Section at Yaba Magistrates court, which I went that same day just to ensure the court file gets to court. Lawyers cannot file court papers and just go to bed. You must keenly monitor your case.

    Experience with principal as young lawyer

    My experience with my former principal was something worthwhile. It is a good firm where I believe young lawyers can have good law practice. But now I am in the world to tap the goodies.

    Marriage to a female colleague       

    No, I cannot marry a lawyer. There is nothing attached to it. It is my decision.

    Most embarrassing day in court

    My most embarrassing day in court was when a judge asked me when I was called to bar. In that case, I was holding brief for a colleague. I argued something I was sure of against the counsel on the other side.

    Most memorable day in court            

    My most memorable day in court was when I got my first judgment in a petition at the Lagos State High Court.

    How to mitigate poor pay

    Honestly, poor salaries are what young lawyers are facing in legal practice by some law firm.  The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at national level has always been discussing it at conferences but to implement it is another issue. That is why you see candidates contesting for office of NBA president at national level using it as part  of their campaign, that they will ensure young lawyers are well paid just to get the votes of young lawyers. They know if we are to go by statistics of people who vote, young lawyers vote more.

    Young lawyers and extra income

    I don’t think there is nothing young lawyers can do to get extra income except if the law firm you work for allows you to do private practice (PP) or you have a case then you give it out to your colleague who you know are on their own and doing their private practice and are not under obligation to any principals. Then you can work on percentage with your colleague who will handle the case.

    Adequacy of Law School curriculum

    For the best interest of legal profession, the law school curriculum need to be overhauled.

    Shabby dressing by some lawyers                     

    My advice to young lawyers on dressing is that they should not say because of what is trending in the fashion world, they want to turn dress code to suit themselves. They should be modest in their dressing and be neatly dressed too.

     Plans for the next decade

    To be a seasoned lawyer to be reckoned with.

  • Lawyer, others ‘sold’ land with stolen C of O, say Police

    An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mohammed Salisu, has told an Ikeja Special Offences Court   how a landed property belonging to the late Mrs. Francisca Awolaja was acquired by a Lagos businessman Mr. Rotimi Olubeko with a stolen Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

    He disclosed this while testifying in the trial of a lawyer, Kole Bello, and three others over alleged forgery before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.

    Salisu, under cross-examination by defence counsel, Ayodele Akintunde (SAN), said he was directed to investigate the case following a petition written by the businessman to the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police, Ikoyi, and a counter petition written by the complainant to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    He said: “Initially, it was Olubeko who wrote a petition to the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) against the complainant, Mr. Felix Awolaja, the first son of the late woman.

    “Based on the petition, Mr. Awolaja was arrested, detained and interrogated by the police while other defendants wrote statements at the SFU as witnesses in support of Olubeko’s claim over ownership of the land against the complainant.

    “However, Mr. Awolaja wrote a counter-petition to the IGP and the case was initially assigned to the Commissioners of Police at the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCIID), Alagbon, Ikoyi Lagos. It was later assigned to my team following a signal from the IGP that the case files should be harmonised.

    “We harmonised the case files and invited all parties but Olubeko refused to honour our invitation until he was declared wanted.

    “In the course of investigation, facts about how the defendants went to the bank to complete the transaction and how they impersonated the deceased to sell her land to Olubeko with a stolen C of O, was revealed.

    “In the course of investigating the matter, an official of the state Ministry of lands, Olanipekun Cole, told us that it was the duplicate copy of the original C of O in the file at the ministry that was illegally removed and stolen by the defendants to sell the land,” he said.

    The police officer said he was dismayed that despite the role played by Olubeko in the perpetration of the alleged crime, he was not prosecuted as recommended.

    Bello was arraigned along with Chukwu Victor, Friday Palmer and Osumah Terry last October 30 by the Lagos State Government on a three-count charge for conspiracy, fraud and forgery.

    They, however, denied committing the alleged offences by pleading not guilty.

    All the defendants were alleged to have committed the offences in December 2001 at Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos.

    Under cross examination, ACP Salisu said he did a diligent investigation before he recommended that the defendants be prosecuted.

    Justice Taiwo adjourned until June 15.

  • Lawyer seeks law on data privacy

    A partner at Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (DOA), Soibi Ovia, has called for a law to protect data privacy. According to her, there is need for a better regulation of the telecommunications, media and technology (TMT) sector in view of emerging developments around it.

    Ovia spoke on the sidelines of the “inaugural business series” organised by the law firm in Lagos, with the theme: Investment in Nigeria’s telecommunication, media and technology market.

    She said: “Data privacy is an area of TMT that has no regulators; there’s no regulation on it; there’s no law governing data privacy. For the banks, you have the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) is there, but it’s like an area-specific regulator, not for data privacy. So, that’s a major challenge in the sense that as a country, we do not necessarily have the laws that we need to get the sector going.”

    She urged lawmakers to consider enacting a law on data privacy so as to outlaw unauthorised data harvesting. “The only solution I see for this particular challenge is for us all, the legislative houses to get up and do something about it. It’s a new area of life; information technology is everything now, everybody has a phone.

    “With the digital map technology, people can take your pictures from anywhere and use them. There’s no data privacy law to protect the individual. So, our laws need to evolve with the times,” Ovia said.

    The forum, she said, was organised for experts to share ideas on investment opportunities in TMT, mobile payment and financial technology (Fintech) and how to deal with the challenges.

    “We work in a terrain where we noticed there are certain gaps in the system. TMT is a new area of practice and an area that we’ve been fortunate enough to work in our few years of coming together as a firm. So, we decided to put of a forum where stakeholders in that area can discuss their ideas and the challenges they face in the market space,” she said.

    Another partner at the firm, Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, said there are “endless” opportunities for lawyers in the TMT sector.

    “For every investment, there is some legal work attached. If TMT continues at the pace that it is today, we will not be in a position to have real investments without proper legal advice. Whether in form of due diligence, pure business advisory work or as little as setting up entities or advising the big players in respect of funding and the private equities, they all have to get some form of legal advice.

    “So, there are a lot of opportunities in this regard and it’s a growing business. Just imagine how much jobs are being created by a telecommunications company. As we advance, the reality is that there will be more opportunities. And as there are more opportunities in technology there will be more opportunities for lawyers,” he said.

    The event, which had two sessions, drew key players in the TMT sector. They included a director at MTN Nigeria, Mr Gbenga Oyebode; Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer Terragon Group, Elo Umeh; Partner, Bluechip Technologies Ltd Olumide Soyombo; Managing Director of Wakanow Obinna Okezie; Chief Operation Officer at Netplus Adekumbi Ademiluyi and Co-founder, Interswitch, Idris Saliu.

    Others are Managing Director, EchoVC Egbosa Omoigui; Chief Digital Officer at Wema Bank Plc Dele Adeyinka; Director at Lagos Business School Mrs Olayinka David-West; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer at FBN Quest Funds Ijeoma Agboti-Obatoyinbo, and Head, TMT at Stabic IBTC Lloyd Onaghinon.

    Oyebode warned against over-regulation, saying that “regulators could kill opportunities if care is not taken”.

    The chairman of Aluko & Oyebode, a commercial law firm, added: “There is great hope for investment in Africa. Regulators should encourage businesses to thrive rather than introduce policies that will kill them.”

    Okezie said he set up Wakanow when he saw a need for  it. He said he wanted to book online, but could not, so he saw an opportunity to invest when e-commerce was at its early stages. He said it was important to find the right kind of investor.

    “The opportunity in Nigeria and Africa is tremendous. We saw an opportunity. You have to identify a problem. We saw booking challenges, inability to pay online, and lack of transparency,” he said.

    Co-founder, Synergy Capital Managers, Dr Akintoye Akindele, who chaired a session, urged aspiring entrepreneurs to have clear ideas of what they wish to do and stick to it.

    “Get advice on the legal framework around what you want to do. Think of the business model and the capital structure you need. Stick with it because everyone has horror stories.

    “Don’t stop dreaming. Stick to your dream. Until you die, your dream is alive. Success is repeated failure without losing enthusiasm,” he said.

  • Lawyer wants Fayose’s aide prosecuted for threatening reporter

    Human rights lawyer Morakinyo Ogele has called for the prosecution of an aide to Governor Ayo Fayose, Lere Olayinka, for threatening the life of The Nation reporter, Odunayo Ogunmola.

    Ogele, who is the National Coordinator of Ekiti Redemption Group (ERG), also urged security agencies to protect journalists in Ekiti State before, during and after the July 14 governorship poll.

    The activist said that he may be compelled to file a writ of mandamus to force security agencies to prosecute Olayinka in court, if they fail to act on the reporter’s petitions.

    Ogele, who lamented that press freedom was under threat in Ekiti State, urged all Nigerians to condemn the attempt to muzzle reporters by what he described as “an emerging civilian dictatorship.”

     

  • Court awards N4m cost against lawyer for filing frivolous appeal

    *Upholds Ikpeazu’s election

    The Supreme Court has penalised a lawyer and politician, Friday Nwosu for filing what the court considered a frivolous appeal.

    The apex court, in a judgment on Friday, awarded N4million as penalty against Nwosu and in favour of the four respondents in the appeal.

    Nwosu, by the judgment, is to pay each of the respondents N1m as cost.

    Nwosu had, in his appeal marked: SC/693/17, challenged the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in which it was held to the effect that Okezie Ikpeazu was qualified to contest the 2015 governorship election in Abia State.

    Justice Amina Augie, in the lead judgment, upheldIkpeazu’s election and dismissed Nwosu’s appeal. The lead judgment was read on behalf of Justice Augie by Justice Sidi Bage.

     

    Details later…

     

  • Herders’ crisis: Lawyer advocates use of feedlot

    An Abuja lawyer, Mr. Felix Isimepken Okonti, has recommended the use of feedlot as a way out of disputes between farmers and herdsmen.

    He said the use of feedlot would boost Nigeria’s meat export capacity.

    Okonti told The Nation that having feedlots would end open grazing.

    “As a lawyer, a rancher and feedlot operator, it behoves on me to lend my professional voice to the ongoing controversies about open grazing, grazing reserve, grazing routes, cattle ranching, and feedlot.

    “In the first place, open range is a land where livestock roam freely regardless of land ownership. This tallies with the Fulani cultural belief that land is a free gift of nature or from God, just like sun, moon, air and water in lakes and rivers, which no man is free to lay hold on as to claim ownership.

    “This brings in the concept of clash of cultures as the Fulani world view of land is at variance with many sedentary crop farming communities and cultures where there is legally speaking regard to land ownership as a private property with rights to defend against its encroachment or criminal trespass.

    “The clash of cultures of the Normadic Herdsmen and Sedentary Farmers must be resolved through a well thought out strategy of development of management system that will create a buffer that will sustain the delicate balance in the ecosystem that supports both cultures,” he said.

    According to him, open range or free grazing of animals may be both uneconomic, a nuisance, dangerous and a health hazard and may not be sustainable in Nigeria in the long run.

    “In Nigeria, combination of factors such as global warming, receding Lake Chad, desert encroachment, population pressures on land, deforestation and poor water management have conspired to trigger crisis of monumental proportion across all geopolitical and ecological zones.

    “The major cause of it all is the leadership failures over decades that have accounted for failure for the development of management of animal agriculture which has lagged far behind the growth of human population.

    “This is further compounded by the crises thrown up that are somewhat cultural, political, economic and ecological in nature.

    “The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) 2016 statistics states that Nigeria has 20.6 million cattle herds and is ranked 14t globally against Brazil, ranked first, with 218 million herds and Ethiopia with 59.5 million herds (ranked first in Africa), South Africa 13.4 million and Botswana with just over 2 million,” Okonti said.

    According to him, while South Africa and Botswana are able to export cattle and beef products internationally, Nigeria cannot due to poor animal agricultural practices.

    This, he said, is mainly associated with the continued preponderance of open grazing of livestock across the land.

    “The toughness of our meat from cattle bred from open grazing will not make it acceptable to health conscious overseas markets as our cattle lack Identification and Tracing which are crucial for international market acceptability.

    “The practice of open grazing of cattle has been found to be no longer acceptable both from economic, environmental, health and social coherence points of view.

    “This has made a lot of practitioners, experts and policy makers to canvass for ranching as a way of keeping cattle restricted to demarcate fenced land reserves to avoid the overrun of farmlands with the attendant conflicts such destructions will result to with crops farmers and other farming communities.

    “My take is to canvass for the adoption of the practice of feedlot over ranching as a way of attaining economic advancement through animal agriculture, environmental management, good animal health that translates to human health, national peace and food security,” Okonti said.

    The lawyer said feedlot as a term was first used in 1889 and has become a common and successful animal agriculture practice in Canada, South Africa and Ethiopia.

    “A Feedlot is a parcel of land or yard on which livestock are intensively stocked, confined and some scientifically planned rations and feeds are administered to the cattle or hogs for the market.

    “Feedlot can range in size from few plots of land to tens and hundreds of hectares of land against ranches which cover expansive land, requiring hundreds to thousands of hectares,” he said.

    Okonti said ranch as a concept was being misconstrued, as, according to him, many states canvassing for ranching lack the capacity to practice ranching “strictu-sensu”.

    He said: “Very few states can support ranches in terms of land size required, structures needed and financial capacity needed to develop operational ranches.

    “How can you develop ranches in a settlement pattern or system where villages are few kilometres and in some instances meters apart from each other? Where is the land for such expansive land acquisition?

    “The benefits of feedlots far outweigh ranching. It requires lesser land to practice. It brings in economic returns quicker and in larger proportion. Higher number of livestock is held in an enclosure that allows closer monitoring of feeding, health treatment and marketing at the attainment of requisite weight and size.

    “It is a more scientific practice of animal husbandry as every item in feedlot input is accountable, measurable and, therefore, lend to higher profitability than ranching.

    “Therefore, the Federal and state government are implored to avail feedlot operations practice the needed boost through technical and financial empowerment to make Nigeria tap into the more than $1trillion global livestock export trade which we are presently not participating in, notwithstanding Nigeria’s abundant livestock potentials.”

  • Lawyer seeks to stop MTN’s listing on Stock Exchange

    alAGOS lawyer, Dr. Charles Mekwunye, has urged the Court of Appeal to restrain MTN from listing its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), pending the determination of a suit involving him, the telecom giant and four other firms.

    In the appeal marked CA/L/1349/16, Mekwunye is praying for an interlocutory injunction restraining MTN from listing its shares on THE NSE or any globally recognised stock exchange.

    Other prayers include an injunction restraining MTN from putting up signs, advert or notice which may suggest the listing of its shares.

    An order of interlocutory injunction restraining MTN from inviting the public to buy or purchase its shares in any public offer pending the determination of the appeal.

    The appellant is also asking the court to reverse the alleged interference of IHS Holding and INT Tower in the agreement among him, MTN, Lotus Capital and Stanbic IBTC Management Limited.

    Mekwunye sued MTN at the Federal High Court, Lagos for alleged breach of an agreement by firms representing the company in a privately placed share units offer.

    Joined in the suit as co-defendants were Lotus Capital Limited, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, IHS Holding Limited and INT Towers Llmited.

    Mekwunye contended at the Federal High Court that after buying about 5,000 MTN Linked Units share through MTN’s nominee, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited via a private placement memorandum, the firm failed to fulfill its obligation of converting the share units into MTN Nigeria shares.

    But ruling on a preliminary objection raised by MTN on the competence of the suit, Justice Mojisola Olateru asked parties to explore the arbitration clause embedded in the disputes contract.

    Dissatisfied with the ruling of the lower court, Mekwunye through a motion on notice filed on February 26, approached the Court of Appeal.

    He insisted in the appeal papers that the crux of the matter is the failure of the respondents to list MTN shares in NSE in 2013 as agreed by parties and that until the suit or appeal is properly determined, MTN ought not be allowed to list its shares at the stock market.

    In an affidavit in support of the motion on notice, the appellant averred that sometime in February, 2008, Lotus Capital and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management via a private placement memorandum, represented that MTN International was offering to allocate shares of MTN Nigeria to the Nigerian public as investors through private placement arrangement.

    According to the deposition, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management which was appointed as nominee for the  MTN linked offer, subsequently engaged Lotus Capital Limited to procure investors.

    Mekwunye bought 5,000 units of the shares at the rate of $122,800 (N18, 376, 800,00).

    The appellant averred that the nominee structure as spelt out in the agreement papers was to last for three months after which the shares will be transferred to an exit special purpose vehicle (SPV) which will then be exchanged for MTN Nigeria shares.

    According to the appellant, at the end of three years, the respondents failed to create the agreed exit SPVon the ground that MTN International is already quoted on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

    He further averred that the respondents opted to create an alternative exit mechanism which is not listed on NSE without his consent or knowledge.

    Mekwunye claimed that series of deductions were made on his share units by the respondents in the new agreement which he never gave his consent.

    No date has been fixed for the hearing.

  • Court dismisses lawyer’s N200m suit against Lekki residents

    A Lagos State High Court has dismissed a suit by a lawyer Mr Fredrick Chinedu Anaje, who claimed that he was denied access to a road on the Island.

    Justice Wasiu Animahun dismissed the suit on the ground that the applicant’s rights were not violated.

    Anaje sued residents of Peninsula Garden Estate in Lekki, Eti Osa Local Government Area, alleging that they erected a wall barricade on Ogombo Road without approval from the state government.

    He sought a declaration that preventing him from using the road by erecting the wall was unconstitutional and amounted to a violation of his right to freedom of movement guaranteed by Section 41 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The applicant prayed the court to declare that the respondents’ act of “forcefully and maliciously” subjecting him to use an unsafe, bushy and impassable road was unlawful and amounted to “degrading and inhuman treatment”.

    He asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents or their agents from taking any step that would infringe on his rights to movement and personal dignity.

    Anaje sought N200million in general damages against the respondents for violating his rights, as well costs of the action “on a full indemnity basis”.

    Mr Sulyman Bello, Olu Adewusi, Dr Maureen Igwe, Nicholas Adesina, Abiodun Ekeade, Funmilayo Ekeade and Femab Properties Ltd are the respondents.

    Anaje said he lives on a street in Ogombo town and that he uses the Ogombo Road, which he said was for the public, to access the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

    According to him, despite being issued with contravention notices by the state, the respondents restricted the residents’ access to the road by building the wall, thereby forcing them to use an unsafe, bushy and impassable road.

    But, the respondents, in a counter affidavit sworn to by Adesina, said Femab Properties bought the large expanse of land on which the estate and the road in dispute are.

    He said the government later confirmed that the two roads leading to the estate were private, and that it advised other residents in the neighborhood to take steps to make other access roads motorable.

    The respondents, through their lawyer Adebayo Adesola, argued that although contravention notices were issued, the wall was not demolished, which supports their claim that the government admitted that the wall was on a private road.

    Justice Animahun noted that Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution provides that every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person and shall not be subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment.

    To the judge, Anaje’s case is that the road’s blockage indirectly made him to commute through a road that was not motorable, which the lawyer felt constituted inhuman and degrading treatment.

    “What the case reveals is that the applicant would not have complained of infringement of Section 34 of the Constitution if the other access road is motorable. It follows that infringement of the applicant’s right arose from the deplorable state of the road.

    “It is my view that this head of claim is only maintainable against whoever made the road to be in deplorable condition,” the judge held.

    The judge, after discussing what fundamental human rights entail, said he could not hold that a citizen has a fundamental right to use good roads.

    “The conditions of roads vary. In some areas good roads are a necessity. In some, they are a luxury. In some other locations, motorable roads are not required. An example is the riverine areas.

    “In other words, the right to a good road may be recognised in law but it is certainly not an inalienable right. It does not qualify for litigation under Chapter IV of the Constitution.

    “It is a luxury in the class of economic, social and educational rights guaranteed in Sections 16, 17 and 18 of the Constitution and yet rendered unenforceable.

    “I, therefore, hold that the claims anchored on Section 34 of the Constitution are not well founded and, therefore, fail,” Justice Animahun held.

    The judge also dismissed Anaje’s claim that his right to freedom of movement under Section 41 of the Constitution was violated.

    “This appears easy. Once there is no confinement and there is an alternative route, there cannot be an infringement of freedom of movement,” he said.

    Citing the case of Adeyemo vs Akintola (2004) 12 NWLR (PT 887) 390, Justice Animahun added: “The above implies that restriction of movement will not arise where the applicant is at liberty to use alternative routes.

    “The restriction envisaged under Section 41 of the Constitution must be total. This is not the case here.

    “In view of the above, I hold that the fundamental rights of the applicant were not infringed.

    “The amended originating motion on notice dated 19/06/2017 therefore fails and is hereby dismissed.”

  • Lawyer hails NBA section’s revival

    Former Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) president Mrs. F. Boma Ayomide Alabi has described the revival of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice (SLP) as timely. The section was inactive for sometime.

    Following its revival under Mrs. Miannaya Essien’s (SAN) chairmanship, it plans to hold a conference in Port Harcourt on April 13. The theme is: Re-thinking and re-tooling legal practice for the challenges of our time.

    According to Mrs Alabi, the conference, which is designed for all lawyers irrespective of area of practice, could not have come at a better time.

    “I am particularly pleased that it is taking place in Port Harcourt as it brings the training closer home for our colleagues in the Southsouth and Southeast.

    “Lawyers from Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Anambra, Abia and even Delta are all within a fairly short driving distance of Port Harcourt and so, hopefully will take advantage of the SLP conference being effectively in their neck of the woods to attend,”she said.

    On her expectations, she said: “The theme of the conference says it all. We have to continuously examine our processes and how we serve our clients to ensure that we deliver best practice in all areas, and benchmark against our colleagues and competitors in other jurisdictions.”

    On the international content of the conference, Mrs Alabi said: “The Chairperson of the NBA-SLP  is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

    “So, an invitation was extended to the President, Santhan  Krishan, who has graciously accepted to come all the way from New Delhi, India.

    “He will be accompanied by the Council Member for West Africa, Nene Amegatcher, who incidentally is the former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

    “Some excellent speakers on topics that will enhance every lawyer’s practice, especially those in private practice, have been lined up.

    “But then, the taste of the pudding as they say, is in the eating. So, I would encourage everyone to attend. Places are going so fast and early bird is almost over.”

  • ‘Being a lawyer is a dream come true’

    Doris Okoroego is a law graduate of the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri. She was called to the Bar in 2013. She tells JOSEPH JIBUEZE about her most challenging case, why young lawyers deserve a minimum wage, and why criminal cases should be time-bound. 

    Why she chose law

    I chose law because of the less-privileged. I don’t like injustice and I feel bad each time I see innocent citizens being oppressed; that was what motivated me to study law.

    If not a lawyer…?

    I would have been either an international business woman or a film producer/actress. There is no regret at all. In fact, I enjoy being addressed as a lawyer. It is a dream come true and my parents will be so happy wherever they are now.

    Most challenging case

    My most-challenging case was FirstBank of Nigeria Ltd vs. Badagry Local Government Staff Co-Operative Multi-Purpose Society Limited & Anor. It was my first legal work. It was the first matter I handled alone, prepared all necessary processes before passing it on to a senior counsel in our office to supervise before filing. I learnt a lot through this matter, did research and at the end and with the help of my senior colleague I was happy with myself and the work.

    Young lawyers and challenges

    The major challenge that young lawyers in Nigeria face is the challenge of poor remuneration by their older colleagues, all in the name of still learning the profession. I am all for pupillage as I think that it is a form of good mentoring for young lawyers like us who are just coming up. However, no adequate learning can be done on an empty stomach. There should be dignity in human labour and if we are to maintain the nobility of the profession, then something has to be done about it. That is why I support the call for minimum wage for young lawyers, at least as a standard. The problem will be how to get every law firm in Nigeria to implement it. Another challenge faced by young lawyers is the manner of treatment meted out to some of them by their learned seniors who treat them harshly and make them work under unfavorable conditions, all in the name of learning. Perhaps some of the older lawyers view it as doing the younger ones favour, but this isn’t so.

    What she’d live to change

    What I will like to change about the judiciary if I have the power is our criminal justice system in Nigeria. It is seriously due for a change not only because crime is involved, but also because the freedom of people might be involved more often than not.  To me, criminal matters should be time-bound and not to continue in perpetuity. If someone is alleged to have committed a crime, there should be a time limit for the court to try the person because justice shouldn’t be delayed.

    Guiding principle

    My guiding principle is to be the best in the legal profession and to shun any form of mediocrity. I live by this principle in my daily life.

    Call to Bar

    My call to bar was celebrated by my family and friends in a very unique and special way with lots of gifts and praises. I was more than happy when my one and only heartthrob came all the way from Lagos to Abuja to celebrate with me.

    Law School experience

    Law School was fun and at the same time tough and stressful. Some clients think that you attended the law school, solely to handle their matters in court. They want excellent legal services but are not ready to pay a dime, even when you know they are financially buoyant and capable of paying their fees. It is a reality that young lawyers like us grapple with every day.

    Is she well paid?

    The issue of poor pay is one reality that young lawyers in Nigeria grapple with. However, I must say that I am lucky to have a good and considerate principal who understands the importance of dignity in the profession.  He remunerates and treats his lawyers very well while also giving them the freedom to expand and grow. In fact, he is a father to us all. So, I can say I am one of the lucky few.

    10-year dream

    In 10 to 15 years from now, I see myself as my own boss and thriving in the legal profession.

    Maybe I would have married a lawyer. But I am happily married to my wonderful husband which is why I call him BEST as a pet name, and he is not a lawyer but an engineer.

    Family

    I am happily married to the best husband in the whole universe and our union is blessed with a very beautiful daughter. We are six in number, three boys and three girls and I happen to be the last daughter and fifth child. My parents are late.

    Mentors

    Wow! I look up unto so many dignitaries such as Supreme Court (rtd) Justice F.F Tabai, Prof J.I.J Otuka, former Head of Department of Law faculty Imo State University (deceased); former Imo-State Chief Judge, Justice Njimanze; my principal Mr. E. A Oyebanji; my Head of Chambers Ademola Olarewaju and so many others.