Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, has rejected the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) directing his suspension from legal practice for three years, announcing that he will immediately challenge the ruling before the Supreme Court.
In a statement made available to BarristerNG issued on Tuesday, Gadzama said his attention had been drawn to the LPDC’s direction delivered on 29 July 2026 in Complaint No. BB/LPDC/1314/2024, instituted by Mr. Chris Alashi against Ocha P. Ulegede, Esq. and himself.
The senior lawyer disclosed that although he was yet to receive and review the Certified True Copy of the Committee’s decision, he had already instructed his legal team to file a notice of appeal without delay.
Citing Section 11(8)(a) of the Legal Practitioners Act, Gadzama explained that once an appeal is filed within the prescribed period, the LPDC’s direction is automatically stayed and cannot take effect until the Supreme Court determines the appeal.
He therefore assured his clients, colleagues and the general public that his right to practise law remains fully intact pending the determination of the appeal.
“I wish to reassure my clients, colleagues, friends and the general public that, upon the filing of the appeal within the time prescribed by law, my right to practise as a legal practitioner remains unaffected pending the final determination of the appeal,” he stated.
While reaffirming his utmost respect for the institutions established to regulate the legal profession, Gadzama maintained that he respectfully disagrees with the LPDC’s findings, describing the decision as one that is unsupported by both the evidence presented and the applicable law.
According to him, the complaint alleged that he improperly took over another lawyer’s brief, solicited clients and wrongfully appropriated professional fees. He, however, insisted that the allegations were entirely unfounded.
Gadzama stated that he was retained directly by the judgment creditors through written letters of instruction and acted throughout strictly in accordance with that professional retainer. He argued that the documentary evidence before the LPDC did not justify the conclusions reached by the Committee.
“The complaint against me alleged that I improperly took over another lawyer’s brief, solicited clients and wrongfully appropriated professional fees. Those allegations are, with respect, unfounded. I was retained directly by the Judgment Creditors through written letters of instruction and acted throughout strictly in accordance with that professional retainer. In my respectful view, the documentary evidence before the Committee does not support the findings made against me.”
The senior advocate further contended that the dispute essentially concerned legal representation and professional fees, matters which, in his view, ought not to have been resolved through the disciplinary process.
Expressing confidence in the nation’s judicial system, Gadzama said he believes the Supreme Court will objectively examine both the legal and factual issues involved and ultimately reach a just and fair decision.
He also expressed gratitude to colleagues, clients, friends and members of the public for their overwhelming support, goodwill and prayers since the LPDC’s decision became public.
Reaffirming his commitment to the legal profession, the administration of justice and the highest standards of professional ethics, Gadzama concluded by expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.
“I trust in the judicial process and remain confident that justice will ultimately prevail,” he said.
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