Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), J-K Gadzama, has rejected the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) directing his suspension from legal practice for three years, describing the ruling as unsupported by the evidence and applicable law. In a statement issued on Wednesday following the LPDC’s direction of 29 July 2026, Gadzama disclosed that he had instructed his legal team to file an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court, maintaining that the filing of the appeal prevents the disciplinary direction from taking effect pending its determination, in line with the Legal Practitioners Act.
The senior lawyer stated that the complaint, which alleged that he improperly took over another lawyer’s brief, solicited clients, and wrongfully appropriated professional fees, was without merit. He insisted that he was retained directly by the judgment creditors through written instructions and acted strictly within the scope of that professional engagement. While reaffirming his respect for the institutions regulating the legal profession, Gadzama expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would fairly review the legal and factual issues surrounding the matter. He also reassured clients, colleagues, and the public that his right to practise law remains unaffected pending the outcome of the appeal and thanked supporters for their goodwill and prayers.
Read full statement below;
STATEMENT BY J-K GADZAMA, SAN
A Statement on the LPDC Direction of 29 July 2026
My attention has been drawn to the direction delivered today, 29 July 2026, by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) in Complaint No. BB/LPDC/1314/2024, instituted by Mr. Chris Alashi against Ocha P. Ulegede, Esq. and myself.
I have been informed that the Committee found against me and directed that I be suspended from legal practice for a period of three years. While I am yet to receive or review the certified true copy of the direction, I have instructed my legal team to file an immediate appeal. Pursuant to Section 11(8)(a) of the Legal Practitioners Act, the filing of an appeal within the prescribed time prevents the direction from taking effect pending the determination of the appeal.
I hold the institutions established to regulate the legal profession in the highest regard and remain firmly committed to the rule of law. However, I respectfully disagree with the Committee’s decision and firmly believe that it is not supported by the evidence or the applicable law.
The complaint against me alleged that I improperly took over another lawyer’s brief, solicited clients and wrongfully appropriated professional fees. Those allegations are, with respect, unfounded. I was retained directly by the Judgment Creditors through written letters of instruction and acted throughout strictly in accordance with that professional retainer. In my respectful view, the documentary evidence before the Committee does not support the findings made against me.
It is equally important to note that the complaint fundamentally arose from a dispute concerning legal representation and professional fees. I remain firmly convinced that the disciplinary process was not the appropriate forum for resolving such issues.
I have every confidence that the Supreme Court will carefully consider the legal and factual issues raised by this matter and arrive at a just determination.
I wish to reassure my clients, colleagues, friends and the general public that, upon the filing of the appeal within the time prescribed by law, my right to practise as a legal practitioner remains unaffected pending the final determination of the appeal, in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.
I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, goodwill and prayers I have received from colleagues, clients, friends and members of the public. I remain steadfast in my commitment to the legal profession, the administration of justice and the highest standards of professional integrity.
I trust in the judicial process and remain confident that justice will ultimately prevail.
J-K Gadzama, SAN