NBA Warns Judges Against Political Ties, Flags Delays in Ngene’s Appeal
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned judicial officers to avoid interactions with politically exposed persons, saying any conduct that creates the perception of bias undermines judicial integrity and public confidence.
The warning was issued in a communiqué following the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on February 5, 2026, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Council also deliberated on judicial ethics, internal democracy within the Bar, and the continued detention of lawyer Bright Emeka Ngene.
Under the heading, Visits to Politicians by Judicial Officers, NEC stated that “judicial officers must avoid association with politically exposed persons,” stressing that the judiciary must not only be impartial but also be seen as impartial.
The Council’s position comes amid growing public scrutiny over alleged interactions between judges and political actors.
On Ngene’s detention, NEC expressed “grave concern over the prolonged detention” caused by repeated delays in hearing his appeal.
The communiqué noted that “the repeated recusals have caused undue hardship and prolonged detention,” raising concerns about protecting the rights of legal practitioners and maintaining public confidence in justice.
NEC approved the constitution of a seven-member committee, chaired by Sammie Somiari, SAN, to engage the Chief Judge of Enugu State.
The Council warned that “failure to fix a hearing date within two weeks will result in further actions, including court boycotts and legal challenges.”
The Council also raised alarm over the growing monetisation of elections within the NBA, expressing “deep concern over excessive spending by aspirants in the forthcoming NBA National Officers elections,” and warning that inducements violate the Association’s Constitution. NEC pledged strict enforcement of electoral provisions.
On broader issues, NEC reaffirmed its commitment to professional regulation, judicial independence, and the rule of law, highlighting initiatives such as Mandatory Continuing Professional Development to ensure competence and ethical discipline among practitioners.
The Council also referenced its concerns raised at the 2025/2026 Federal High Court Legal Year opening, including court sittings, judicial independence, case backlog, and infrastructure deficits.
NEC stressed the importance of ethical conduct, judicial inspections of detention facilities, and enhanced Bench–Bar collaboration.
The communiqué was signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara.
With its latest resolutions, the NBA has signalled a firmer stance on judicial ethics, internal electoral integrity, and delays undermining justice delivery.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
