The Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Council (NBA NEC) took the decision on Monday to dismiss the Executive Committee of its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL). This action was prompted by allegations that the SPIDEL chairman, John Aikpoko-Martins, had engaged in activities undermining the authority of NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and the council.
Under Aikpoko-Martins’ leadership, NBA-SPIDEL had been actively challenging the decisions of government institutions and individuals in court. Notably, they filed lawsuits against the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and music producer Kenny Ogungbe, among others. These cases included allegations of violations of the National Youth Service Corps Act and attempts to halt the implementation of the Central Motor Information System and the imposition of an annual levy for a certificate of proof of vehicle ownership.
Following a meeting held in Jos, the NBA NEC issued a communique ordering the immediate withdrawal of the cases initiated by SPIDEL. This decision reflects the council’s stance on the matter and aims to address concerns regarding the perceived interference in governmental affairs and potential conflicts with the NBA’s leadership.
The communique signed by Maikyau and the General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, partly read, “The NEC condemned the actions of the Chairman of Section on Public Interest and Development Law, which undermine the authority of the President and the Council. Consequently, NEC resolved and directed the immediate removal of the members of the Executive Committee of SPIDEL.”
“NEC also ratified all the actions taken by the President with respect to SPIDEL and directed that all actions filed by John Aikpoko-Martins and Funmi Adeogun, purportedly on behalf of NBA-SPIDEL, be discontinued forthwith.”
“For the avoidance of any doubt, the said lawsuits include: Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1285/2023 – John Aikpokpo-Martins Esq & 2 Ors v. Federal Government of Nigeria & 2 Ors.”
“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/90/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq & Anor v. Ms.Hannatu Musa Musawa & 3 Ors.”
“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/246/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins & Anor v. The Inspector General of Police & 3 Ors.”
“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/247/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq & Anor v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor.”
“Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/248/2024 – John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq & Anor v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor.”
The NEC also recommended the constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage SPIDEL’s affairs.
It also directed the committee to probe the circumstances leading to the court cases filed by SPIDEL without the approval of NEC.
“NEC also approved the constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of the SPIDEL with an additional mandate to investigate the circumstances leading to the filing of actions in court without approval of NEC.”