# Joe Gadzama legal challenge against LPDC > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/joe-gadzama-legal-challenge-against-lpdc > Updated: 2026-09-06T17:28:38.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3. Joe-Kyari Gadzama, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge a direction issued by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) on July 29, 2026. The court, presided over by Hon. Justice Obiora-Atuegwu Egwuatu, granted Gadzama leave to apply for a judicial review via an order of certiorari. Gadzama’s challenge raises questions regarding the legality, constitutional validity, and procedural fairness of the LPDC’s disciplinary proceedings. He contends that the existing disciplinary framework lacks an effective mechanism for appellate review, which may leave legal practitioners without adequate recourse for serious professional consequences. The dispute is reportedly linked to issues involving professional fees, representation, and retainership. Following these proceedings, the LPDC issued a ruling suspending Gadzama for three years and Ocha P. Ulegede for two years. The disciplinary action stems from a complaint by Chris Alashi, who alleged that the two lawyers conspired to deprive him of professional fees related to an N8 billion consent judgment from the Zaki-Biam massacre litigation. Alashi’s allegations included client poaching and conduct unbecoming of legal practitioners. While the LPDC found both parties liable under various rules of professional conduct, the ruling remains under legal scrutiny regarding jurisdictional standards and procedural fairness. ## Claims - Joe Gadzama has commenced proceedings at the Federal High Court to challenge a decision by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Federal High Court granted Gadzama leave to pursue a judicial review of the LPDC decision on constitutional grounds. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The legal challenge questions the legality, constitutional validity, and procedural fairness of the LPDC disciplinary process. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Gadzama argues that practitioners lack an effective and operational avenue for appellate review of LPDC decisions. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The underlying dispute involves issues related to representation, retainership, and professional fees. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee suspends two lawyers The LPDC has suspended lawyers Joe-Kyari Gadzama and Ocha P. Ulegede over fee disputes in the Zaki-Biam massacre case. Gadzama is now seeking a judicial review to quash the decision in the Federal High Court. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/legal-practitioners-disciplinary-committee-suspends-two-lawyers ### 2026-08-25: Joe Gadzama challenges LPDC decision in Federal High Court Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joe Gadzama is challenging a Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee decision in the Federal High Court, citing concerns over procedural fairness and lack of appellate review. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joe-gadzama-challenges-lpdc-decision-in-federal-high-court ### 2026-08-23: Federal High Court grants Gadzama leave for judicial review The Federal High Court in Abuja granted Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, leave to seek a judicial review to quash a direction from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/federal-high-court-grants-gadzama-leave-for-judicial-review --- Cite as: Joe Gadzama legal challenge against LPDC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/joe-gadzama-legal-challenge-against-lpdc