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THIS IS FOR LAWYERS.
I make a conscious effort to avoid dealing with law enforcement agencies, especially the EFCC. Nigeria Police Force except it is unavoidable. But my instant rant is about EFCC.
Beyond the well-known issue of their personnel often exhibiting a god-complex, they are also remarkably inefficient with time. Many lawyers will tell you the same thing: a visit to the EFCC is rarely straightforward. Once a matter carries even the slightest weight or complexity, you should be prepared to lose an entire day.
It’s less about the necessity of the process and more about how poorly structured and time-consuming the engagement tends to be.
Let's skip to the second part of my rant against EFCC @officialEFCC. I understand the part that you cannot go inside their building with your phones. absolutely a global practice, not something unique to EFCC. Across many countries, law enforcement and intelligence agencies routinely restrict or completely prohibit personal electronic devices (especially phones) inside their facilities. The reasons are largely the same everywhere.
But is it also a global or standard practice to forbid visitors from sitting at your reception in the Lagos Office @officialEFCC on Awolowo Road?
There are no fewer than 25 chairs at the reception, yet visitors are reportedly not allowed to use them, allegedly on the directive of the Zonal Director. So regardless of who you are—lawyer or otherwise, if you need to wait briefly for someone, your only option is to stand outside in the sun.
I would genuinely like to understand the rationale behind such a policy.
You also need to do better with how you handle suspects. Your officers in Lagos Office are guilty of infringing on suspects constitutional rights. There is absolutely no justification for keeping someone for over 5 days in the guise of taking statements while also refusing to grant bail. It is even more embarrassing that there has been no crime committed by this person.
Is this what the @officialEFCC has been reduced to under your watch @OlaOlukoyede_. There is an urgent need to rein in these excesses and ensure that officers operate within the bounds of the law. Nigerians deserve better.
BEST UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA TO STUDY LAW — 2026 ⚖️🇳🇬
(Ranked by research performance, innovation output & societal impact)
1 University of Nigeria
2 Olabisi Onabanjo University
3 University of Ibadan
4 Afe Babalola University
5 University of Ilorin
6 Obafemi Awolowo University
7 Delta State University
8 Bowen University
9 Redeemer’s University
📌The South East (UNN) ranks 1st, South West has strong presence with 6 out of 9 institutions presented.
#Statisense
(Scimago Institutions Ranking)
GETTING YOUR FIRST CLIENTS: Client acquisition tips for Law Graduates and young Lawyers.
NB: Above all the points, there is the God's factor.
This is for both the NEPOs who briefs are for them and those who are working deliberately to put themselves where legal problems already exist OR will likely sprout.
1. Your immediate sphere
Your first clients will come from people who already know or trust you, not strangers. Let everyone around you know you’re a lawyer: friends, church/mosque members, family, course mates, NYSC colleagues, neighbours. Don't be scared to introduce yourself to your neighbours or those you play football with during weekends. Say it confidently: “I’m a lawyer now. I handle xyz.”
2. Use NYSC strategically (if you’re serving or recently served)
NYSC is a goldmine if you’re intentional. I actually helped my fellow corps members with: Rental agreements, Business name registration and Affidavits while I was serving in Minna. I was kind of too playful and 'troublesome' for anyone not to know me in Chanchaga that year.
Build relationships with the LGA staff, court registrars, Police officers (for proper, ethical work only). Volunteer to assist with legal documentation at CDS projects. At least 2 of my CDS members, we've co-handled matters.
3. Pick 2–3 practice areas
I agree that you are trained to do everything a lawyer can do. But between you and I, we know you can't do everything. The fact that you are a LitGeng does not mean you cannot handle CAC registrations.
4. Be visible online
There is a caveat here, be visible online, but with moderation. Don't trend for negative things. Not everybody will be a 'legal influencer'. Just be present.
WhatsApp status: share simple legal tips
“Did you know a rent increase without notice is illegal?”
As far as some Clients hire the “best” lawyer, most clients hire the lawyer they remember.
5. Build referral relationships (this is huge)
Some people meet clients before lawyers do.
Actively connect with: Real estate agents, Business consultants, Accountants, HR professionals, Freelancers and SMEs.
Offer value first. Draft contracts for them at a fair rate
Give free legal checks for their businesses.
6. Price realistically, not emotionally
Underpricing kills respect; overpricing kills opportunities. Don't be greedy. Charge modestly but confidently. Always explain what your fee covers.
Avoid “free work” except for initial consultations (in few occasions) and strategic goodwill situations
7. Learn to close and convert, not just advise
Many young lawyers talk way too much and don’t convert. When someone brings a problem: Listen; explain the risk(s) clearly; offer a specific solution; state your fee calmly.
“I can draft the letter and get it served within 24 hours. My fee is ₦100,000.”
8. Work with seniors.
Seniors have experience and they can share insights. So, learn from them but always keep your own contacts. Ask for permission to bring in personal clients. Negotiate referral percentages clearly. Some senior lawyers respect initiative and unfortunately, some don't.
9. Reputation
Reputation travels fast. Your first 10 clients matter more than your first 100. Be punctual, follow up aggressively, keep clients informed, don’t promise what you can’t deliver. One satisfied client can bring five more.
10. Think long-term and don't be desperate
The first year is about learning, visibility, trust, etc. You will definitely have your share of 'lesson' or 'learning' moments but stay consistent and face front. Money grows with consistency, not panic.
LitGeng™️
#LitGeng🚀
I was introduced to some clients through the Imam of a Mosque, where I used to offer Jumuah prayer in Ilorin during my first year at the bar. They wanted to buy 50 acres of land at Asa Local government in Ilorin for mechanized farming.
Prior to that time, my ex boss told me that if I brought any brief or deal to his firm, it would be shared 60:40. 60% for the firm, 40% for me. That wasn't a bad deal, in my mind. Because I wasn't too experienced on property deals as a new wig, I brought these clients to the office, and I was the one who did most of the job. The land was to be purchased at the sum of # 100 million.
In my dirty suits, I went to conduct searches, inspect the land, and contacted a surveyor to measure the land and others. We were on this deal for over 2 weeks, and I was even meeting the prospective buyers on the need to secure the land.
I could remember my seal was used for the preparation of the Deed, all the parties and agents whom I entertained with the food I bought with my 20k salary in the office signed and the whole #100m was forwarded to the firm's account. My boss settled the vendors and agents, and the purchasers took possession immediately and began cultivation.
In the first week, the second week, and the third week after the deal, I received nothing. The secretary of the firm asked me if I had been settled but I said "No". She smiled and continued her work. My boss was sending money to his kids in school, buying sharwama and hot dog to the office whilst I fed on my Bolli and beans and did a massive birthday celebration for his wife.
A few days later, my Oga bought a brand new Toyota Highlander ( motor yen gbe gaaan nioo]. He told me to pray, and in hunger and anger, I reluctantly say, "Barakallahu fihi.
I couldn't develop the confidence to demand for the money because I felt he should know what was to be done by him. He noticed I was losing my motivation at work and yet complained about it.
I woke up to the alert of #50k one morning, and whilst I was about calling him to appreciate him, his call entered and he shouted: "Muhammed,I sent you 50k. Go to the office to get the documents from Hajia( Secretary) and file them at the High court. Please, the processes must be filed today. It is urgent. "
My tears flowed to flooded streams. 😢 😭!!
In a nutshell, I got nothing out of the deal and that treatment triggered my decision to leave his firm and Ilorin as a whole after my NYSC. Anytime I remember this incident, there is that fire that keeps burning 🔥 inside of me. I need a therapist ejooh 🙏!!
Mio care mo!!!😢. Capitalism wounded me!
This is Abdulrasheed. No, he’s not deceased. He’s alive and well. This is just to document his humanity and share proof that there are many Nigerians who care little about religion, tribe or tongue in their interactions with their fellow citizens.
I met him in 1999 when I needed a suit in preparation for my resumption at the Nigerian Law School. I couldn’t afford a new one so buying a second hand or used one was the smartest choice even though that itself came at a price that was not easily affordable. So I bought one from Abdulrasheed who at that time did not know me from Adam. I got home with my prized possession only to discover that the trouser was a tight fit. My stay at home for 9 months awaiting admission had obviously come at the cost of some added weight. So off I went to Abdulrasheed to return the suit. He accepted it without fuss and offered me another in exchange. He then asked me to pick an extra, advising that having two would serve my means longer than having just one. I told him there was no way I could afford an extra one. He calmly asked me to pick it and return at any time I had the means to pay. This man did not know me, did not know where I lived and therefore did not possess any means of contacting me if I failed to return with the payment. I accepted the offer and returned a month later to pay.
That marked the beginning of a friendship that continues to this day. I remained his dedicated customer after I left the law school and well into my career as a legal practitioner until fate smiled on the son of man and I could afford a new suit and look dapper like another friend from way back then, Chris Adetayo.
I have been fortunate to have encounters such as this one in life. People have been kind to me. I will relate some other experiences later. I however find in this one, definite proof that there is a humanity in all of us that transcends anything on the outward, be it the colour of the skin, tribe, religion, tribe etc that suggests a difference. Perhaps when we give that innate connection the priority it deserves, Nigeria will be the better place it is meant to be.
“Down to Gehenna or up to the throne, he travels the fastest, who travels alone”.
These timeless words were penned by Rudyard Kipling in 1895 in the Poem “Winners”. “Gehenna” here is a place of misery, of despair, a hell of sorts. A throne is just what it is: a symbol of triumph and accomplishment. Some critics have interpreted these words to mean that to achieve greatness, one has to reject loyalty, friendship and on the contrary, must embrace selfishness. It is felt that certain allegiances formed in life, may actually hinder a person from taking decisions which are in his own best interests and truly, such situations do occur in life.
However, In my view, Kipling actually talks not only about the benefits of going it alone, but also warns of the perils that may result from it. Thus, a selfish outlook upon life may result not only in gain but also in misery. Taken further, what might initially bring about triumph, may yet bring about pain. In 1986 the then President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida, was the head of the Armed Forces Ruling Council which approved the execution of his classmate and childhood friend, General Mamman Vasta for Coup plotting. That IBB, as he is fondly called, still utilizes every opportunity that presents itself to attempt an explanation of the circumstances leading to such a momentous decision, speaks volumes of the pain he must now feel, years after what must have been the exhilarating feeling of triumph at having foiled a plot against him and his government.
Regrettably, it is this very “me, myself and I” approach to life that many Nigerians, the leaders and led alike, have adopted to govern their affairs. It accounts for why the Politician will change political affiliation at the drop of a hat, without much thought given to the need to be identified with a clear political ideology, if indeed he ever had one, why an auto mechanic will not hesitate to cheat a dedicated customer of several years by inflating the cost of parts for a repair job, why a child will arrange with a friend to fake his own kidnap so as to extort money from his loving parents and to a large extent, why a religious leader will openly market a man-made object as an article of faith to his followers proclaiming it as the surest way to a hereafter with God, by whatever name he is called.
This may explain why some prefer a view which posits that what should matter is not how fast you journey, but how far you have journeyed. It states that rather than view friendships, kindness and loyalty as burdens to aspiration, they are actually necessary in the journey of life, for when the destination is long and the road unwinding, the traveler may at some point become weary, needing the comfort of travel companions to soldier on. It is hard to disagree when one remembers the Otedolas and Dangotes of this world. It is also an acknowledgment of the reality that speed alone or one person’s careful planning may not always be enough. There are forces in the universe that play greater roles in the affairs of men than their own guile. The Holy Bible itself proclaims that the “race is not to the swift…”. Most religions teach a similar creed in not so different words. Perhaps it is also why Grantland Rice wrote that;
“For when the One great scorer comes
To mark against your name,
He writes- not that you won or lost-
But HOW you played the Game.”
So what should really matter? The speed of travel or the distance covered? How are you playing the game?
30% of Nigerians are likely to do even slightly better than their parents. Most will do worse.
60% of billionaire wealth in Nigeria comes from inheritance, monopolies, or cronyism.
Statistically, you’re not likely to “make it.”
I'm writing this hack for poor young Nigerians that want to work in development sector that have no connection or family wealth to leverage on after graduation. I have been there. I will share with you what I did to break-out.
During your NYSC,
1. Buy a 2nd-hand laptop.
On the 17th of April 2024, I will attempt to break the Guiness World record for the longest Chess marathon in the heart of Times Square New York City for 58 hours without losing a game.
Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.
This whole ChatGPT convo is a fascinating example of how racial/cultural biases can be baked into technology. Because this is something that’s disproportionately impacting Africans (esp Nigerians) because of how they culturally speak
Love yourself. This really means, know yourself then accept what you find. Whatever it is. A man must be sure of himself, even if he has to do so painfully.
Don’t edit your soul in service of others. Don’t impress women with what you aren’t. You’ll only attract the shallow, the blind and the stupid. You must go about your business everyday with the assurance of a sleepwalker. You must believe that you have your place in this world and commit to succeeding.
This is how you must yourself. Fully. Someone will love your wrinkled forehead, your brackish knuckles and your bald head. Once you can love yourself, you can attract the energy you deserve and more importantly, you can love others.
To the younger guys out there: work hard; think carefully before making career decisions and seek guidance; pick your friends wisely; love yourself and have a good sense of who you are before you find love in people; read often; make/save money.