NBA petitions disciplinary panel over lawyer’s remarks against judge

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has lodged a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee over comments made by lawyer Kalu Kalu against a judge on television. NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, condemned Kalu's remarks during an episode of Channels Television’s Politics Today on November 11, 2026.

Kalu was discussing the November 5, 2026, Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu regarding the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress and its impact on Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential campaign. Kalu directed personal and disparaging remarks at Justice Lifu during the program. The host intervened, warning Kalu that he would not permit personal attacks on the judge.

Kalu later stated that he was withdrawing his remarks due to time constraints. Badejo-Okusanya criticized Kalu's comments, emphasizing that lawyers must maintain professional conduct regardless of their disagreement with judicial decisions. She stated that such personal attacks undermined public discourse and damaged the legal profession's reputation.

The NBA president noted that lawyers have the right to critique judicial decisions, pointing out that constructive criticism is essential for legal development. However, she added that personal insults were unproductive and disrespectful. The NBA has submitted a formal petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, requesting an investigation into Kalu's conduct and potential disciplinary action.