As anticipation builds for the 18th S.P.A. Ajibade & Co Annual Business Luncheon, the spotlight turns to one of Nigeria’s most distinguished jurists, Hon. Justice Habeeb A. O. Abiru, JSC, a man whose judicial journey embodies integrity, intellect, and service to justice.
Born on October 17, 1964, in Lagos State, Justice Abiru’s academic and professional trajectory reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence. His educational foundation was laid at the Federal Government College, Warri, after which he proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), earning his LL.B in 1984 and LL.M in 1987. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
Justice Abiru’s legal career has traversed the full spectrum of the profession — from private practice and academia to the highest judicial bench in the land. His early career began at Savannah Sugar Company Ltd during his National Youth Service, before he joined G.O. Oduwole & Co., and later Bentley, Edu & Co., where he rose to become Head of Chambers. In 1997, he founded M.A.O. Abiru & Co., a firm known for its robust litigation and corporate practice.
He also served as a Law Lecturer at Lagos State University, Ojo, where he impacted the next generation of lawyers before his appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in 2001. Over the years, he presided over diverse divisions, including Lands, Civil, Family, Probate, and Criminal, demonstrating versatility and depth.
In November 2012, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal, serving in several divisions; Akure, Kaduna, Jos, Kano, Yola, and the Sharia Panel, where he earned a reputation for judicial precision and fairness. His elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in February 2024 marked a fitting recognition of decades of meritorious service.
Justice Abiru’s influence extends beyond the courtroom. He has played key roles in judicial reform and policy, serving on the High Court of Lagos State Civil Procedure Rules Review Committee, the Committee on ICT for the Judiciary, and the Working Group on Stolen Assets Recovery and the Management of Proceeds of Crime set up by the Attorney General of the Federation.
A prolific writer and speaker, Justice Abiru has presented numerous papers on diverse areas of law, from judgment writing and interlocutory applications to fundamental rights enforcement and public interest litigation. His membership as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) underscores his commitment to alternative dispute resolution and institutional excellence.
Beyond the Bench, he is deeply involved in community service and faith-based leadership, serving as National President of the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) and a member of the Executive Management Committee and Board of Trustees of the Muslim Welfare Fund (MUWELF).
Justice Abiru’s judicial philosophy is anchored on integrity, fairness, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. His rich experience, reformist outlook, and intellectual contributions continue to shape Nigerian jurisprudence and inspire confidence in the nation’s justice system.
He will be among the distinguished speakers at the 18th S.P.A. Ajibade & Co Annual Business Luncheon, themed “Rebuilding Public Trust in the Nigerian Justice System: Responsibilities of the Bar, the Bench, and the Society.” The event promises to bring together leading voices from the Bar, Bench, academia, and civil society to discuss practical pathways to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
