July 2026

NBA GWAGWALADA BRANCH LEADERSHIP RECORDS STRATEGIC INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENTS

The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, today, 1st July 2026, recorded another milestone in its commitment to institutional collaboration and professional development through a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing the rule of law. The day's activities commenced with a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada. The NBA delegation was led by the Branch Chairman, Mr. N. D. Abdulsalam, Esq., and comprised the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Irene Ominike, the Secretary, Mr. Eze F. Osinachi, the Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Maria O. Edet; the Treasurer, Mrs. Sharifatu Usman, the Social Secretary, Mrs. Esther O. Akazue and the Welfare Secretary, Mrs. Chelsea Okafor. The delegation was warmly received by the Commandant and the management of the Command, who reaffirmed the Command's commitment to fostering stronger collaboration with the NBA in the areas of legal education, professional capacity building, and institutional knowledge exchange. The Command further proposed a structured partnership through legal lectures, seminars, and specialised training for Customs officers on constitutional law, fundamental human rights, judicial processes, legal ethics, investigation, and evidence management. Responding, the Branch Chairman expressed profound appreciation for the Command's longstanding support to the Branch, particularly in making its facilities available for NBA programmes and activities. He welcomed the proposed collaboration and reaffirmed the Branch's readiness to provide legal resource persons, support professional development programmes, and partner with the Command in promoting legal enlightenment, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. As a mark of the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between both institutions, the Branch Chairman was decorated and presented with a customised Nigeria Customs Training and Doctrine Command polo shirt, a face cap, and a commemorative plaque, while the Vice Chairman was equally presented with a customised polo shirt and a face cap. These symbolic presentations underscored the mutual respect and enduring partnership between both institutions. The Branch Chairman, accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Secretary and Welfare Secretary, also joined the Chairmen of the NBA Nyanya-Karu, Garki, and Keffi Branches in accompanying the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, to the Supreme Court for the unveiling of the Nigerian Case Management System and Electronic Filing Platform. Thereafter, the Branch leadership proceeded to the NBA National Secretariat, where they attended a presentation by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). This was followed by an interactive session with the NBA President, during which discussions centred on the continued growth of the Association, Branch development, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the legal profession and the administration of justice. The day's engagements concluded with a group photograph with the NBA President. The engagements underscore the NBA Gwagwalada Branch's commitment to building strategic partnerships, promoting professional excellence, and supporting initiatives that strengthen public institutions, uphold the rule of law, and enhance the administration of justice in Nigeria. Signed Yusuf J. Jibril, Esq. Publicity Secretary NBA Gwagwalada Branch

July 2026

NBA GWAGWALADA BRANCH CONDEMNS RECURRENT ASSAULTS ON LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, COMMENDS POLICE FOR PROMPT ACTION

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, Mr. N. D. Abdulsalam, Esq., has expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of assault and harassment of legal practitioners within Gwagwalada and its environs, describing the trend as unacceptable, unlawful, and inimical to the orderly administration of justice. The Chairman noted that the Branch has recently recorded disturbing cases involving attacks on members in the course of their lawful activities. Of particular concern is the recent assault on Mrs. Chelsea Okafor, Esq., a member of the Executive Committee of the NBA Gwagwalada Branch, who was reportedly attacked by a passerby while lawfully driving on a public road. Upon being notified of the incident, the Branch immediately engaged the relevant law enforcement authorities and ensured that the matter received the urgent attention it deserved. Following swift police intervention, the suspect was arrested, taken into custody, and subsequently will be arraigned before a competent court on Monday, 22nd June 2026. Mr. Abdulsalam emphasized that while lawyers remain officers in the temple of justice and defenders of the rule of law, they are first and foremost citizens entitled to dignity, safety, and protection under the law. He stressed that no society can claim to uphold the rule of law while tolerating violence, intimidation, or assault against individuals peacefully carrying out their lawful activities. The Chairman further stated that the NBA Gwagwalada Branch will not treat with indifference any act of aggression directed at its members and will continue to deploy all lawful and institutional mechanisms available to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The Branch particularly commends the Divisional Police Officer, Gwagwalada Division, CSP Aaron Haruna and his officers for their professionalism, prompt response, and cooperation in handling the matter. The decisive steps taken by the Police have reinforced public confidence in the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to complaints and ensure that justice is not only pursued but seen to be pursued. The NBA Gwagwalada Branch calls on all residents to conduct themselves with civility, restraint, and respect for the rights of others. Disagreements and misunderstandings, however they may arise, must never degenerate into acts of violence or self-help. The Branch remains committed to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and security of its members and will continue to monitor the prosecution of this matter with keen interest, while trusting that the judicial process will take its proper course. Signed: Yusuf J. Jibril, Esq. Publicity Secretary, NBA Gwagwalada Branch