{"id":129986,"date":"2026-10-13T01:33:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T00:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=129986"},"modified":"2026-10-13T01:33:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T00:33:07","slug":"cjn-warns-lawyers-against-forum-shopping-in-political-cases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/cjn-warns-lawyers-against-forum-shopping-in-political-cases\/","title":{"rendered":"CJN Warns Lawyers Against Forum Shopping in Political Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"
By John Azu<\/strong><\/div>\n
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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged lawyers to uphold professional responsibility in political and electoral disputes, warning against forum shopping and the filing of multiple suits to secure favourable court orders.<\/p>\n

Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday at the inauguration of 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.<\/p>\n

She cautioned lawyers against taking cases to court divisions they considered more favourable to their clients or instituting multiple proceedings seeking substantially similar reliefs, warning that such practices could result in conflicting orders and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.<\/p>\n

\u201c It can also create the unfortunate impression that parties are seeking not justice according to law but a particular outcome from a particular court,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The CJN expressed concern that the growing volume of political disputes before the courts could delay the determination of other cases, stressing that the urgency or public prominence of electoral litigation should not undermine the right of other litigants to timely justice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is, moreover, a broader institutional concern. It does not augur well for our judicial system or the administration of justice if the courts become so overwhelmed by political disputes that other cases in their dockets are consequently delayed or denied the timely attention they require,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She added that lawyers must exercise sound professional judgment before commencing proceedings, particularly when related cases are already pending before another court.<\/p>\n

According to her, counsel have a duty to disclose the existence of related proceedings and respect the jurisdiction and processes of other courts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe responsibility of counsel extends beyond securing an immediate advantage for a client; it includes a duty to protect the integrity and orderly functioning of the judicial process,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Kekere-Ekun also urged judicial officers to exercise restraint during electoral periods, warning that their words and conduct would be subjected to public scrutiny.<\/p>\n

She said judges must avoid political associations or conduct capable of creating an appearance of partiality and remain within the boundaries established by their judicial oaths and the Constitution.<\/p>\n

The CJN further highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the Supreme Court’s operations through digital technology.<\/p>\n

She disclosed that the court commenced implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) on July 1, 2026, alongside the Supreme Court of Nigeria (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Records of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026.<\/p>\n

According to her, the reforms are designed to improve case management, strengthen the security of judicial records and reduce avoidable administrative delays.<\/p>\n

Implementation, she said, was being phased, beginning with pending appeals scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026.<\/p>\n

Kekere-Ekun expressed optimism about the growing adoption of the case management system across the judiciary.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), raised concerns about professional misconduct among lawyers and called for the modernisation of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).<\/p>\n

Fagbemi also commended the introduction of electronic filing, noting that an effective justice system depended not only on sound judicial decisions but also on efficient and transparent procedures.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile these judicial pronouncements strengthen the substantive foundations of justice, the effectiveness of the judicial system also depends on the efficiency and integrity of the processes through which cases are brought before the court and determined,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The 68 new SANs were recognised for their contributions to the legal profession. They are:<\/p>\n

Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu<\/p>\n

Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor<\/p>\n

Godwill Achibong Umoh<\/p>\n

Sunday Samuel Obende<\/p>\n

Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe<\/p>\n

Jimson Ejovi Okodaso<\/p>\n

Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John<\/p>\n

Olaotan Thomas Olusegun<\/p>\n

Philemeon Audu Daffi<\/p>\n

Adenrele David Adegborioye<\/p>\n

James Eromosele Agbonhese<\/p>\n

Alexander Nduka Muoka<\/p>\n

Onome Okodiya<\/p>\n

Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye<\/p>\n

Ikhide Ehighelua<\/p>\n

Mas\u2019ud Mobolaji Alabelewe<\/p>\n

Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun<\/p>\n

Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi<\/p>\n

Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed<\/p>\n

Odion Peter Odia<\/p>\n

Gbemiga Adaramola<\/p>\n

Moses Okoh Onyilokwu<\/p>\n

Charles Azubuike Obodozie<\/p>\n

Hakeem Obafemi Agaba<\/p>\n

Bimbo Felix Atilola<\/p>\n

Okechukwu Steve Emelieze<\/p>\n

Joshua Demilade Olaniyan<\/p>\n

Igonikon Abiola Adekunle<\/p>\n

Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie<\/p>\n

Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno<\/p>\n

Sarafa Kolawole Idowu<\/p>\n

Olujoke Enitan Aliu<\/p>\n

Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie<\/p>\n

Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi<\/p>\n

Faruk Abdullah<\/p>\n

Sagir Gezawa Suleiman<\/p>\n

Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko<\/p>\n

Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe<\/p>\n

Sabiu Gumba Adamu<\/p>\n

Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare<\/p>\n

Soibi Ideriah Ovia<\/p>\n

Somina Peter Johnbull<\/p>\n

Chinedum Ikenna Umeche<\/p>\n

Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe<\/p>\n

Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff<\/p>\n

Junaidu Bello Marshall<\/p>\n

Olawale Sunday Fapohunda<\/p>\n

Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye<\/p>\n

Senior Sulyman Ibrahim<\/p>\n

Agba Eimunjeze<\/p>\n

Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande<\/p>\n

Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi<\/p>\n

Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle<\/p>\n

Umaru Yunusa<\/p>\n

Akorede Habeeb Lawal<\/p>\n

Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba<\/p>\n

Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu<\/p>\n

Kayode Orire Omosehin<\/p>\n

Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala<\/p>\n

Bolu Agbaje Akadri<\/p>\n

Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao<\/p>\n

Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala<\/p>\n

Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja<\/p>\n

Afees Hassan Adebayo<\/p>\n

Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun<\/p>\n

Jonathan Akintola Makinde<\/p>\n

Olajide Salami<\/p>\n

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