- Y1. “UK Court Exposes Fraud in Useni Property Case: NBA Must Act on Ozekhome SAN”
Excerpt:
A UK court has ruled that Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN attempted to unlawfully seize a London property belonging to his client, the late General Jerry Useni, using fabricated identities and false testimony. The judgment has triggered calls for the Nigerian Bar Association to investigate immediately.
“A lawyer’s first duty is to truth, even above loyalty to a client. Any deviation erodes justice itself.” — Lord Denning
Lord Alfred Thompson Denning, OM, PC, DL, was a renowned English lawyer, judge, and jurist. Appointed Lord Justice of Appeal in 1948 and later Law Lord in 1957 as Baron Denning of Whitchurch, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in English law. Denning authored several works, including The Discipline of Law (1979) and The Due Process of Law (1980). His enduring legacy lies in championing justice for the marginalized and oppressed.
One of his famous quotes reminds lawyers of their higher duty:
Quote:
“If lawyers hold to their precedents too closely, forgetful of the fundamental principles of truth and justice which they should serve, they may find the whole edifice comes tumbling about them and the common law will cease to grow.”
Comment:
This ruling is not just about one property; it is about the credibility of Nigeria’s entire legal system in the eyes of the world.
2. “Shame Abroad: Nigerian SAN Implicated in UK Fraud Case”
Excerpt:
The UK judgment confirmed that fabricated characters like “Tali Shani” were conjured to disguise looted funds and misappropriate property. For a SAN to be involved in such conduct is a deep disgrace to Nigeria’s legal profession.
Quote:
“Integrity is the foundation of the legal profession. Without it, law is nothing but legalized deceit.” — International Bar Association
Comment:
Other jurisdictions swiftly disbar lawyers for dishonesty. Nigeria must not remain silent while its top lawyers drag the country’s name through the mud.
3. “NBA on Trial: World Watching Nigeria’s Response to Ozekhome Scandal”
Excerpt:
The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee are now under pressure to act decisively. Anything short of suspension and sanctions would signal complicity.
Quote:
“The independence, integrity, and high ethical standards of the legal profession are indispensable to the rule of law.” — International Bar Association Code of Ethics
Comment:
Silence is no longer an option. The NBA’s credibility is at stake.
4. “From Advocate to Accused: Ozekhome SAN and the Betrayal of Trust”
Excerpt:
The UK court found that while General Useni testified truthfully, every other narrative — including Ozekhome’s — was a fabrication. This is a betrayal of fiduciary duty at the highest level.
Quote:
“A lawyer shall not acquire a proprietary interest in the subject matter of litigation he is conducting for a client.” — Rules of Professional Conduct, Nigeria (2007)
Comment:
This case shows the danger of unchecked privilege. A SAN must be a model of probity, not a cautionary tale of greed.
5. “Tinubu’s Global Image Push Undermined by Legal Scandal Abroad”
Excerpt:
While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to rebrand Nigeria and attract investors, scandals like this undo progress, reinforcing stereotypes of corruption and dishonesty at the highest professional levels.
Quote:
“The measure of a nation’s justice system is how it holds its most powerful accountable.” — American Bar Association
Comment:
Nigeria cannot demand global respect while tolerating misconduct among its most senior advocates.
6. “National Patriots: This is Unpatriotic and Must Be Punished”
Excerpt:
The National Patriots have condemned the scandal, describing the conduct as “unethical, unpatriotic, and shameful,” urging immediate disciplinary action against Ozekhome SAN and others involved.
Quote (from National Patriots):
“Any lawyer who attempts to defraud his own client, particularly under the rank of SAN, betrays not only the profession but the nation itself.”
Comment:
Patriotism demands cleansing the legal profession of dishonor. The world is watching.
7. “When Silence Equals Complicity: Why the NBA Cannot Ignore the Ozekhome Judgment”
Excerpt:
The UK court has spoken clearly — fraud was attempted, lies were told, and Nigeria’s legal profession stands disgraced. The question now is whether the Nigerian Bar Association will restore credibility by disciplining those involved, or remain silent and be judged complicit.
Quote:
“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.” — Lord Hewart, 1924
Comment:
If the NBA fails to act, the world will conclude that Nigeria’s lawyers protect their own instead of protecting justice.
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