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Joe Gadzama legal challenge against LPDC

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2026-08-27 08:36 UTC → 2026-09-08 00:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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