The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Abuja has adjourned the suit filed by Blessing Ekpere, Esq., against the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch, Anthony Zamidele, Esq., and two others to April 9, 2025.
The case, which was initially heard on January 24 and again on February 21, involves an application for the enforcement of Ekpere’s fundamental rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, and peaceful assembly. The suit also lists the NBA Garki Branch Publicity Secretary, Oluwadamilola Victoria Alabi, Esq., and the branch itself as respondents.
During the last hearing, the judge encouraged the parties to settle the matter amicably. However, Ekpere’s legal team informed the court that the Chairman had reconstituted the branch’s committees and removed the applicant from all previous memberships, an action perceived as an unwillingness to settle.
In an effort to mediate, the judge suggested involving the NBA President to call the parties to order. However, Ekpere’s representatives expressed doubts about the Chairman’s willingness to heed such an intervention.
The court granted a long adjournment to ensure the presence of all parties and to allow the respondents to file their responses. However, as of now, they have yet to submit any legal documents, including a memorandum of appearance.
Reports suggest that the Chairman has stated he is being sued in his official capacity and that any potential liabilities could fall to the next Chairman of the branch.
The next hearing is set for April 9, where further proceedings on the enforcement of Ekpere’s fundamental rights are expected to take place.
At the heart of the dispute lies Ogbu’s criticism of the branch leadership’s handling of bye-elections and administrative decisions. Court documents reveal that branch administrators first deleted his comments on October 31, 2024, followed by his complete removal from the platform on November 5, after he questioned the chairman’s absence from a meeting with the NBA President.
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