Osigwe

Legal Practitioner | Community Manager | Project Manager | @ChelseaFC 💙

[Osigwe @jamaeze]

God & Time.
Reintroducing Myself Amaeze Osigwe Esq.

[Chelsea FC @ChelseaFC]

He chose Chelsea.

[Comrade Etaba Agbor @Etaba_agbor]

The 32nd President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN @afamosigwe and 33rd President-Elect of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN @MrsBBold! 🔥

[Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb @MrsBBold]

Dear Colleagues,

The ECNBA has revised the voting process for the 2026 NBA Elections.

Please take note of this important change:

Your One-Time Password (OTP) will now be sent by SMS to your registered mobile phone number, not to your email address.

To avoid any difficulty on Election Day, please ensure that:

- Your registered mobile number is active and with you throughout the voting period.

- Your phone has sufficient network coverage and can receive SMS messages.

- Your SIM card is active.

- Any Do Not Disturb (DND) or SMS blocking settings that may prevent you from receiving text messages are disabled.

- You use your OTP immediately upon receiving it.

After you successfully cast your vote, a confirmation of your ballot submission will be sent to your registered email address.

Election Day: Saturday, 18 July 2026
Voting Time: 12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. (WAT)

Every vote will count. Please be prepared, vote early, and encourage other eligible colleagues to do the same.

- Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb (Mrs. B)
Partner, ALP NG & Co

#BBold

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

ONLY THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE NBA CAN DIRECT THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE 2026 NBA NATIONAL OFFICERS’ ELECTION

Our attention has been drawn to a document which purports to be a Report of a Sub-Committee and the comments of the Honourable Attorney General which, amongst other things allegedly ordered:

(a) the disbandment of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association and postponement of the election of National Officers,

(b) the termination of the appointment of the current service provider because he is a sole proprietor and the appointment of a new service provider,

(c) the setting up of a caretaker committee to conduct the elections of national officers,

(d) the incorporation of NIN in the data of voters in the conduct of the NBA Election.

(e) the “recalibration” of the NBA Constitution to take away universal suffrage etc.

The Nigerian Bar Association believes that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation could not issue the said directive as it is entirely unconstitutional, ultra vires the powers of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, and an attempt to bring the Nigerian Bar Association under the control of the office of the Honourable Attorney General.

For the record, the Nigerian Bar Association is an independent body not under the control of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation. By the provisions of section 10(2) of the Legal Practitioners Act, the only time a body distinct from the Nigerian Bar Association is empowered to interfere in the activities of the Nigerian Bar Association is stated clearly therein and none of the events have occurred as to entitle the Honourable Attorney General to take the position stated in the purported directive.

We are strengthened in our belief that the Honourable Attorney General could not have given the purported directives when in fact the purported directives are no different from the reliefs sought in the two Egbe Amofin Cases pending at the High Court of Oyo State. Indeed, the Honourable Attorney General cannot grant reliefs sought in the two Egbe Amofin suits in his capacity as a convener of a mediation meeting or even as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation. The Honourable Attorney General is at best a party/mediator, and it is settled that a mediator does not give directives to the parties in a matter in which he is a party.

All Past Presidents of the Nigerian Bar Association in attendance, to the exclusion of Chief Wole Olanipekun, were of the view that the cases initiated by Egbe Amofin are frivolous and should be withdrawn. It was therefore the decision of the attendees of the meeting that the Sub-Committee set up is to ONLY liaise with the contending parties for the purpose of overseeing the withdrawal of the actions. The Sub-Committee was never empowered to make any inquest as to the conduct of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to the extent of making far-reaching condemnations against him when he is not a candidate in the election. Their reliance on the memos submitted by some candidates as the basis for those findings violates the constitutional safeguard of fair hearing as the President was never served with those memos to enable him make a response before such condemnations were made, assuming he was a necessary person to appear before the Sub-Committee.

The resolution of the meeting of 11 June 2026 is that the Sub-Committee is to report to the entire body at a reconvened meeting. From the face of the purported report, it is clear that none of those who attended the 11 June 2026 meeting were availed a copy of the purported report or made any input to it. Assuming without conceding that they have received the report, the meeting cannot give the directions as it violates the Legal Practitioners Act and the Nigerian Bar Association Constitution.

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[Osigwe @jamaeze]

@AfamDeluxo Congratulations. 🍾

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

DEMOCRACY DAY 2026: BEYOND THE BALLOT

The Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc joins Nigerians at home and in the diaspora in commemorating Democracy Day 2026, a day of profound national significance that honours the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the Nigerian people in the struggle for democratic governance.

June 12 occupies a unique place in our national history. It commemorates the presidential election of June 12, 1993, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, and the collective resistance of Nigerians against the annulment of that democratic mandate. It is a day that reminds us of the sacrifices made by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and countless other patriots who paid dearly for the restoration of democratic rule and the enthronement of the sovereign will of the people.

As we commemorate this day, we must also reflect on the extent to which our democracy has delivered on its promise. Democracy is not measured merely by the conduct of elections; it must be reflected in the security of lives and property, the protection of fundamental rights, access to justice, accountability in governance, and the welfare of the people.

One of the most disturbing realities as we mark this year’s Democracy Day is the worsening state of insecurity across the country. Particularly troubling is the plight of the school children and teachers abducted in Oyo State who, despite the passage of time, are yet to regain their freedom. Their continued captivity serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for more effective and coordinated measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians and restore public confidence in the capacity of the State to guarantee security.

Sadly, the Oyo incident is not an isolated one. Only recently, armed bandits attacked a secondary school in Kogi State, killing a Vice Principal, a six-year-old child, and another victim. In Zamfara State, scores of community elders who embarked on a peace mission were themselves abducted by bandits. These incidents, alongside the numerous cases of kidnapping, killings, and violent attacks reported across different parts of the country, paint a grim picture of a nation under siege and underscore the grave security challenges confronting our democracy.

The Nigerian Bar Association therefore calls on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to treat the current security situation as a national emergency. The frequency and brazenness of these attacks increasingly create the impression that criminal elements are operating unchecked, taking turns to terrorise communities across the country. Government must demonstrate, through decisive and sustained action, that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility. The safe rescue of the abducted children and teachers in Oyo State, and indeed all persons currently held in captivity across the country, must be accorded the highest priority.

A democracy can only flourish where citizens are able to live, work, learn, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. The promise of June 12 cannot be fully realised in an atmosphere where fear, insecurity, and uncertainty have become part of daily life for many Nigerians.

As we honour the heroes of June 12, we urge all public office holders and institutions of government to remain faithful to the ideals for which they fought: respect for the rule of law, constitutionalism, accountability, transparency, inclusion, and service to the people.

As we approach the next general elections, we once again call on members of the Bench and the Bar to remain steadfast in their constitutional responsibilities. The judiciary occupies a central place in sustaining public confidence in democracy, while legal practitioners serve as critical officers in the administration of justice and the protection of the rule of law.

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[legalnaija @LegalNaija]

In 2019, Damilola Savage was the most promising young lawyer in Lagos.

Sharp. Hungry. Beautiful mind.

She had one dream: to make partner at Okonkwo & Associates before 35.

What she didn’t know was that the firm had already decided her fate — before she walked through the door on her first day.

Okonkwo & Associates occupied the entire 14th floor of a glass tower on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island.

Senior Partner — Chief Emeka Okonkwo, SAN.

62 years old. Silver-haired. Yale-educated. A man who had drafted legislation that shaped modern Nigeria.

And a man who did not lose.

[Ronaldo Nazário @Ronaldo]

As probabilidades podem estar contra a gente… mas nós já vencemos elas cinco vezes e fomos campeões do mundo. Tá liberado acreditar na sexta. 🤞🇧🇷🍻

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

NBA INTRODUCES DIGITAL SIGNATURE STUDIO ON THE DIGITAL SEAL PORTAL

Legal practice is increasingly digital. Many lawyers today review, approve, and transmit documents directly from their phones and laptops without the need to print, sign, and scan physical copies. In response to this evolving mode of practice, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has introduced the Digital Signature Studio on the NBA Digital Seal Portal, providing a seamless way for lawyers to sign documents electronically within the platform.

With this feature, lawyers can now create, store, and affix secure digital signatures directly from their Digital Seal dashboard, allowing documents to be signed instantly while maintaining the highest standards of security, authenticity, and professional integrity.

The Digital Signature Studio enables practitioners to sign documents digitally and combine their signature with the NBA Digital Seal where required, making virtual legal work faster, more efficient, and fully verifiable.

CREATING YOUR DIGITAL SIGNATURE

Lawyers can generate their personal digital signatures through the Signature Studio in just a few simple steps:

1. ACCESS THE SIGNATURE STUDIO
From your Digital Seal Dashboard on https://t.co/Q508r1n5IB, navigate to E-Signatures to open the Signature Studio.

2. CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED CREATION METHOD

• Trackpad
Draw your signature directly using your mouse or laptop trackpad.

• Camera Capture
Write your signature on a clean white sheet of paper, capture it with your camera, click Preview, and the system will automatically clean and convert it into a digital signature.

• Upload
Upload a scanned image of your signature (the signature must be on a blank white background).

3. SAVE YOUR SIGNATURE
Once satisfied, click Save.
Your saved signatures will appear in the right-hand signature panel for easy access whenever you need them.

HOW TO AFFIX YOUR SIGNATURE TO A DOCUMENT

From your Digital Seal Dashboard:
1.Upload your PDF document
2.Choose your action:
• Sign Only
• Sign & Seal
https://t.co/Y8IVJTtTZq your saved signature
4.Drag or click to position the signature on the document
https://t.co/IM5u3Ro9Yj Apply & Download

Your processed document will download instantly, ready for use or transmission.

SECURITY AND VERIFICATION

The Digital Signature Studio is built with strong security architecture to safeguard the integrity of legal documents.

• Documents are NOT stored on the server
• Only the verification fingerprint and metadata are recorded
• Every signed or sealed document contains a QR verification code for authentication

For assistance with the Digital Signature Studio or the Digital Seal Portal, contact:
[email protected]

This innovation reflects the NBA’s continued commitment to modernising legal practice, enabling lawyers to work more efficiently in a digital environment while preserving the credibility, authenticity, and security of legal documentation.

[Chelsea FC @ChelseaFC]

Inside the dressing room. ✊

#CFC | #CHEBUR

[Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc]

NBA NEC BACKS AMENDMENT OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ACT, COMMENDS ENGAGEMENTS OF THE NBA WITH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has adopted the report of the President of the Association, @afamosigwe Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, detailing the NBA’s extensive engagements with the National Assembly on the proposed amendment of the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA), reaffirming the Association’s commitment to strengthening professional regulation, ethical accountability, and the institutional autonomy of the Bar.

At its meeting held on Thursday, 5 February 2026, in Maiduguri, Borno State, NEC deliberated on the President’s report, which outlined the NBA’s active participation in the legislative process, including formal representations and submissions made at the public hearing convened by the National Assembly on the Legal Practitioners Act Amendment Bill. NEC noted that the Association’s engagement was driven by the need to modernise the regulatory framework governing legal practice in Nigeria and align it with contemporary realities and global best practices.

In adopting the report, NEC took note of the clarification made by the NBA before the National Assembly that the proposed amendments do not seek to undermine the independence of the Nigerian Bar Association or transfer its regulatory powers to any external body. Rather, the Council noted that the Bill, as presented and supported by the NBA, is aimed at strengthening the Association’s statutory role, enhancing ethical enforcement, improving professional discipline, and deepening public confidence in the legal profession.

NEC further observed, and particularly welcomed, the inclusion in the proposed amendments of novel provisions addressing the remuneration and economic welfare of young lawyers, a matter which has become a growing concern within the profession. The Council applauded this novel provisions having been highlighted by the NBA Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) during the presentation of its report to NEC, wherein the YLF Secretary, Mr. Etaba Agbor @Etaba_agbor, specifically drew attention to the importance of embedding statutory safeguards on the remuneration of young lawyers as a means of curbing exploitative practices and promoting professional growth. NEC agreed that the proposed provisions, which seek to promote fair compensation and minimum professional standards in the engagement of young legal practitioners, represent an important step towards fostering growth, stability, and long-term sustainability within the profession. The Council further affirmed that addressing the welfare of young lawyers is critical to safeguarding professional dignity, ethical independence, and the future of legal practice in Nigeria.

NEC also noted with approval that the proposed amendments reinforce the NBA’s role in professional regulation by, among other things, expanding the Association’s representation on the Body of Benchers, clarifying its involvement in disciplinary processes, and strengthening mechanisms for the investigation and prosecution of professional misconduct. The Council observed that these provisions reflect long-standing NBA positions and outcomes of broad consultations within the profession.

The Council further acknowledged the President’s report that the amendment process was the product of collaborative engagement involving the NBA, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Body of Benchers, and other critical stakeholders, for the first time in the history of the profession. The NBA’s position was drawn from prior reform efforts including the recommendations of the Tony Idigbe, SAN Committee, resolutions of the National Executive Council, positions adopted by the NBA at previous Annual General Conferences, and inputs generated from town hall meetings held across different parts of the country.

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

NBA DIGITAL SEAL: APPLICATION PROCESS NOW LIVE!

Dear colleagues,

Following the successful relaunch of the NBA @NigBarAssoc Digital Stamp and Seal, we are pleased to formally announce the application and usage process for lawyers.

The Digital Seal is designed to strengthen authenticity, curb impersonation, and make document authentication faster, safer, and more convenient for members of the Bar.

HOW TO USE THE NBA DIGITAL SEAL

1. Login
Visit 👉 https://t.co/Q508r1mxT3
Log in using your Supreme Court Number (SCN) and Password.
(The default password will be sent to all members via email. Please keep it confidential.)

2. Purchase Seals
Click “Buy Seals”, select your preferred seal pack, and complete payment online.
You will be redirected automatically to your dashboard after payment.

3. Upload Your Document
From your dashboard, upload the PDF document you wish to seal and proceed.

4. Place the Seal
Click “Add Seal” and drag or tap the seal to your preferred position on the document.
Multiple seals can be placed on different pages if required.

5. Apply and Download
Click “Apply Seals & Download.”
Your sealed document will download automatically to your device.

SPECIAL FOR YOUNG LAWYERS
Young lawyers are entitled to one complimentary pack of 25 digital seals.
Simply click the “Complimentary Seal” button on the platform to claim it.

Once applied, every sealed document carries a QR code for easy verification and authenticity. This is another step in modernising legal practice, protecting the integrity of the profession, and making compliance easier for all lawyers.

Kindly log on, explore the platform, and begin using the NBA Digital Seal!

[CANAL+ Sport CZ/SK @CANALSportCZ]

Bučení a pokřikování z tribun o poločase. 😬
Robert Sánchez dal fanouškům Chelsea jasně najevo, že takhle si podporu nepředstavuje. 😤❌

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

BEYOND LIMITS: UNVEILING OF THE NBA AGC 2026 THEME AND LOGO, AND LAUNCH OF THE YOUNG LAWYERS CO-WORKING SPACE

A new chapter in the journey of the Nigerian Bar Association was opened yesterday as we took deliberate steps to shape the future of our profession, not only through ideas and conversations, but through action. At the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja, we unveiled the theme and logo for the 2026 Annual General Conference and, in the same breath, reaffirmed our commitment to supporting the next generation of lawyers through practical interventions that truly matter.

The theme of the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference is “Beyond Limits.” It is a clear call on lawyers and the legal profession to rise above familiar boundaries, challenge complacency, embrace innovation, and respond boldly to the evolving demands of justice, governance, and professional excellence in our time.

Shortly after unveiling the conference theme and logo, I also launched the NBA Young Lawyers Co-Working Space at the National Secretariat. This initiative responds directly to the realities facing many young lawyers, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed. The space provides a professional and dignified environment where young colleagues can meet clients, work, collaborate, and remain connected to the profession while finding their footing.

This project was executed through the NBA Welfare Committee under the leadership of Chief James Onoja, SAN, who personally funded and donated the facility to the Association. I remain deeply grateful for his generosity and his genuine commitment to strengthening the profession from its foundation. I also commend our Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada, for his dedication in coordinating the initiative and ensuring that the space was fully ready for use today.

In recognition of a life devoted to mentorship, ethical advocacy, and service to the profession, the co-working space has been named after Chief Kanu Agabi, CON, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation. It is fitting that a facility created to support and inspire young lawyers bears the name of a man whose career embodies integrity, intellectual excellence, and unwavering support for the growth of the Bar.

As an Association, we remain committed to investing in the future of the profession. I encourage NBA branches across the country, particularly those with bar centres, to consider replicating similar co-working spaces for young lawyers at the grassroots.

Registration for the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference is now open, and I encourage colleagues to register early and be part of what promises to be an exceptional gathering of the legal profession.

Register here: https://t.co/iylSV7np9u

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association

[Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc]

UNVEILING OF THE 2026 NBA AGC THEME AND LOGO

Dear Colleagues,

You are kindly invited to the unveiling of the Theme and Logo for the Nigerian Bar Association 2026 Annual General Conference.

Date: Friday 16th January, 2026

Venue: President’s Conference Room, 8th Floor, NBA House, Abuja.
Hybrid: Zoom link to be shared.

Time: 11:00am

We look forward to your presence!

[Chelsea FC @ChelseaFC]

THAT assist from Lampard, #OTD in 2007! 😍

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

The Resumption Of Enforcement Of The Police Unlawful Tinted Glass Permit Policy Is A Grave Affront To The Majesty Of The Court And A Subversion Of The Rule Of Law.

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

Should the Inspector General of Police fail or refuse to heed this lawful admonition, the Nigerian Bar Association will commence committal proceedings against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, until they purge themselves of contempt. Appropriate professional proceedings will also be initiated against any counsel found to have misled the Court.

The statement made in open court by Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, constituted a judicial undertaking binding on the Defendants. Any contrary executive action amounts to overreaching the Court and undermines the rule of law, as firmly settled by the Supreme Court in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621.

The Nigerian Bar Association sincerely hopes that the Nigeria Police Force will retrace its steps, respect the authority of the courts, and align its conduct with constitutional democracy and the rule of law. We also call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to order, as the planned resumption of the policy will not only amount to a slap on the face of the court but also impose unjustified financial hardship on them.

MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN
PRESIDENT

[AFAM OSIGWE @afamosigwe]

h.The payment proceeds into a private bank account (PARKWAY PROJECTS, Account No: 4001017918) instead of the Treasury Single Account raises serious concerns of transparency and corruption.

i.The policy brazenly nullifies already issued permits, and the purported requirement for renewal of the permits has no legal basis.

The court processes were duly served on the Defendants, including the Inspector General of Police, who briefed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, to represent them in the suit. Meanwhile, on 3rd October 2025, the Federal High Court, Warri Division, issued an order directing parties to maintain the status quo in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 between John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector General of Police, thereby restraining the Police from enforcing the policy pending the determination of a Motion for Interlocutory Injunction.

Following this order and the public outrage that trailed the attempted continuation of enforcement in clear disobedience to the court, the Inspector General of Police convened a meeting involving members of the Police Management Team, including the IGP, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, AIG Legal, their counsel Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, and representatives of the NBA, including myself, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, Olukunle Edun, SAN, Paul Daudu, SAN, and Mr. John Aikpokpo-Martins, among others.

The NBA held a high-level engagement with the Inspector General of Police, where it was agreed that the enforcement of the policy will be immediately suspended to await the outcome of the matters in court and that the Police will direct its officers to cease and desist from further enforcement of the policy. The IGP subsequently suspended enforcement of the policy pending court pronouncement, as well ordered that police would cease the enforcement of the policy.

Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 came up for hearing on Friday, 12th December 2025, before Hon. Justice M. S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja. During proceedings, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, informed the Court of the agreement reached between the NBA and the IGP suspending enforcement of the policy. On the strength of that representation, which the Court accepted as a solemn assurance, the Motion for Interlocutory Injunction was struck out.

It is therefore deeply disturbing that barely one working day after the Court relied on the undertaking of the Defendants’ counsel, a contradictory statement emerged from the Nigeria Police Force announcing a reactivation of enforcement. This volte-face represents a reckless overreach, a contemptuous disregard for the authority of the Court, and a serious assault on institutional integrity. It portrays the Nigerian Police Force as having scant regard for the rule of law and as a body insistent on imposing financial hardship on Nigerians for the financial gains of private business owners/interests.

The NBA notes that Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 has been fully heard and judgment reserved. The Inspector General of Police has a constitutional obligation to respect the judicial process and refrain from any action capable of pre-empting or undermining the Court’s decision.

Accordingly, the Nigerian Bar Association calls on the Inspector General of Police to immediately withdraw the statement issued by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin and halt all attempts to reactivate enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy pending the final determination of all related court actions.

Furthermore, in defence of the rights of Nigerians, the NBA hereby directs all NBA Branches and the NBA Human Rights Committee to immediately intervene and provide legal representation to any Nigerian who is harassed, arrested, whose movement is impeded, whose vehicle is impounded, or who is prosecuted by the Police on account of the alleged violation of this unlawful tinted glass permit policy. The NBA will not allow citizens to be subjected to intimidation or abuse under a policy currently before the courts.

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