MONDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2007
Squib's out. Cover Story - "The Coup of the Philadelphia 9."
Was at the Lagos High Court.
Saw the floor of the newly refurbished courtroom already cracking up again.
Spent quite a long time in court, before my case was called. Guess life is like that sometimes.
TUESDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court in the morning hours. Saw that the Tiger branch had recommenced the building of their new secretariat, after a long lay off. Good development. The Bar Center is already wearing a new face, courtesy of the new erections.
WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Noticed that much of the 'Water Fall Division' was still miry. Incidentally, there're a few other places like that where water from airconditioners collect and settle on bare floor. Beats me - how could educated people allow such mess right under their noses?
THURSDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2007
Was the Lagos High Court for a case. Came late for same because of another case. Went to have a bite but in a rather hot atmosphere.
No power (electricity) in the building. Situation has been like that for about three weeks now.
Heard that the Canteen and all such 'tenants' of the judiciary were unplugged from judiciary's power source on the orders of the Chief Judge, to save the judiciary some costs.
Good idea. But there's a better idea - to make the tenants pay for power consumed monthly. Definitely better and neater than disconnecting tenants and asking them to look for alternative or independent power sources.
Boy, it's no fun eating hot 'amala' with tasty 'Orisirisi' or and a 'headmaster' without some cool air blowing at one. And, just want to ask. If judges patronised the Court Canteens, as lawyers do, would the eateries still be disconnected from the judiciary's power source?
Valedictory Session for recently deceased Honourable Justice Thomas Sheteolu Gomes. Gomes .J retired in 1980 and died at 91.
FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2007
Ikeja High Court. Was there for a case. Matter adjourned for absence of judge. Came down to chamber to some back breaking lawyer's labour.
Related links: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
http://www.squibreaderspavilion.blogspot.com
http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Last Week in November 2007 26th -30th)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2007
The Squib’s out. Cover Story – Incredible! Lawyer Detains Lawyer for 4 Days with Ex-parte Application. Was at Bolade Magistrate Court Oshodi. For a case. Trial stalled – prosecutor absent.
TUESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. What a day of accidents. Early in the morning, a registry staff was knocked down right in court premises by a “Space Van” bus. The poor woman’s leg was reportedly broken. In the registry a lawyer went down in a faint.
Yet another lawyer fell down on the staircase leading from the Chief Judge’s court.
WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command Ikeja. Wearing its neatest look since a decade ago. The police have lost its ‘Garri’ Market aroma and flavour. Well done new Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.
THURSDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case. Did my case and that was that. Went to the WATERFALL DIVISION to see whether it had become DRY LAND DIVISION. Alas, only one of the four courts affected had undergone the needed repairs. Oshodi .J’s court. The other courts still had their air conditioners flooding the corridors with water. Bad. Shameful. The situation should change for the better. Now.
FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Magistrate Court Sabo. Case couldn’t go on. Magistrate said to be away to a workshop. Of course no prior notice of the magistrate’s absence to lawyers and litigants alike. Should things continue to go on like this?
Shouldn’t there be to each and every court (Magistrate and High Courts) a permanent telephone line, by which enquiries can be made by counsel about their matters in court? Likewise shouldn’t the registrars of courts have responsibilities of reaching over to counsel, especially when it comes to issues about change of fixed date of hearing and other such matters?
Came over to the Ikeja High Court. Geckoed round a bit. Was at the Juvenile Court. What noisy market type environment that court is in. all manner of hawkers gallivant about the place.
Related links: www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
www.squibreaderspavilion.blogspot.com
www.editorspark.blogspot.com
MONDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2007
The Squib’s out. Cover Story – Incredible! Lawyer Detains Lawyer for 4 Days with Ex-parte Application. Was at Bolade Magistrate Court Oshodi. For a case. Trial stalled – prosecutor absent.
TUESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. What a day of accidents. Early in the morning, a registry staff was knocked down right in court premises by a “Space Van” bus. The poor woman’s leg was reportedly broken. In the registry a lawyer went down in a faint.
Yet another lawyer fell down on the staircase leading from the Chief Judge’s court.
WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command Ikeja. Wearing its neatest look since a decade ago. The police have lost its ‘Garri’ Market aroma and flavour. Well done new Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.
THURSDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case. Did my case and that was that. Went to the WATERFALL DIVISION to see whether it had become DRY LAND DIVISION. Alas, only one of the four courts affected had undergone the needed repairs. Oshodi .J’s court. The other courts still had their air conditioners flooding the corridors with water. Bad. Shameful. The situation should change for the better. Now.
FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Magistrate Court Sabo. Case couldn’t go on. Magistrate said to be away to a workshop. Of course no prior notice of the magistrate’s absence to lawyers and litigants alike. Should things continue to go on like this?
Shouldn’t there be to each and every court (Magistrate and High Courts) a permanent telephone line, by which enquiries can be made by counsel about their matters in court? Likewise shouldn’t the registrars of courts have responsibilities of reaching over to counsel, especially when it comes to issues about change of fixed date of hearing and other such matters?
Came over to the Ikeja High Court. Geckoed round a bit. Was at the Juvenile Court. What noisy market type environment that court is in. all manner of hawkers gallivant about the place.
Related links: www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
www.squibreaderspavilion.blogspot.com
www.editorspark.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
3RD WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2007(19TH -23RD)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2007
Came very early to Ikeja High Court. Flew off to Abuja. I am on trial. Remember? Trial before the Body of Benchers’ Disciplinary Committee.
Not for stealing, or fighting or any thing of the sort. But I am on trial. For what, nobody knows up till this moment. Complaint yet to be served on me or Daddy 3, my counsel.
Came to the trial place with Daddy 3 and Adekunle Ojo, Former Elekun of Ekunland. Trial for the fifth time in five years post-poned once again.
Panel couldn’t form quorum. Didn’t see my accusers there but saw their shadow. A black shadow. Interesting, you said?
TUESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court for a case at the Election Petition Tribunal. Received news that a fake lawyer was apprehended at the Ikeja Magistrate Court. Guy was caught right in action. Details later.
WEDNESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court. Dashed from one court to the other. As a lawyer. Not as a gecko.
THURSDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Saw quite a crowd at Justice Alaba Marsh’s Court. Over a chieftaincy dispute. At the end of the day, Judge ordered that status quo be maintained by all the parties. Later heard a counsel informing some of the litigants that such an order did not mean that an Oba-elect could not go ahead and be crowned! Wonderful.
FRIDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court dressed in a blue caftan with blue cap to match. Entered one court that same day. Was asked to remove the cap by presiding judge. Complied. But I now here posit these questions - what law or rule of court forbids a Nigerian citizen from wearing a cap into a court of law? How does the wearing of a cap affront the dignity of a sitting judge?
MONDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2007
Came very early to Ikeja High Court. Flew off to Abuja. I am on trial. Remember? Trial before the Body of Benchers’ Disciplinary Committee.
Not for stealing, or fighting or any thing of the sort. But I am on trial. For what, nobody knows up till this moment. Complaint yet to be served on me or Daddy 3, my counsel.
Came to the trial place with Daddy 3 and Adekunle Ojo, Former Elekun of Ekunland. Trial for the fifth time in five years post-poned once again.
Panel couldn’t form quorum. Didn’t see my accusers there but saw their shadow. A black shadow. Interesting, you said?
TUESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court for a case at the Election Petition Tribunal. Received news that a fake lawyer was apprehended at the Ikeja Magistrate Court. Guy was caught right in action. Details later.
WEDNESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court. Dashed from one court to the other. As a lawyer. Not as a gecko.
THURSDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Saw quite a crowd at Justice Alaba Marsh’s Court. Over a chieftaincy dispute. At the end of the day, Judge ordered that status quo be maintained by all the parties. Later heard a counsel informing some of the litigants that such an order did not mean that an Oba-elect could not go ahead and be crowned! Wonderful.
FRIDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court dressed in a blue caftan with blue cap to match. Entered one court that same day. Was asked to remove the cap by presiding judge. Complied. But I now here posit these questions - what law or rule of court forbids a Nigerian citizen from wearing a cap into a court of law? How does the wearing of a cap affront the dignity of a sitting judge?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
SECOND WEEK NOVEMBER 2007
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 12TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Squib’s out. Cover story - Open Letter to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly by Squib Editor. Was at the Lagos High Court for election petition matter. Later went to the Lagos State Parliament to distribute the open letter to the honourable members.
Geckos report strange news. Judge {Ayo .J} said to have confessed to “carrying Sacrifices” in the Resource Centre. High Court judge involved in rituals, fetish practices? Must investigate.
TUESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Lagos High Court. Was there. Saw Daddy 3 in preparation for my Abuja case before Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers, Monday next.
Investigated the story that a judge was involved in fetish practices in the Resource Centre. Found it a gross exaggeration.
WEDNESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Lagos High Court. Was there. My case could not go on, courtesy D.P.P. Lagos State’s office. They couldn’t produce further witnesses since December 6, 2006 and after six adjournments. Terrible.
Have you heard of the Philadelphia 10 group in the Lagos Judiciary? Will ‘gist’ you better later on them.
THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Ikeja High Court. Was there. Quite dry. Lawyers are not many in court, courtesy the judicial paralysis in the institution caused by the failure, neglect or inability of the Chief Judge to re-assign thousands of non-part heard cases to new judges.
FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Lagos High Court. For lawyers’ business. Had an interesting day at the Election Petition Tribunal. Saw Daddy 3. To remind ‘Baba’ of my Abuja case.
As usual, the giant was ready to march to battle. God bless good Daddies.
MONDAY 12TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Squib’s out. Cover story - Open Letter to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly by Squib Editor. Was at the Lagos High Court for election petition matter. Later went to the Lagos State Parliament to distribute the open letter to the honourable members.
Geckos report strange news. Judge {Ayo .J} said to have confessed to “carrying Sacrifices” in the Resource Centre. High Court judge involved in rituals, fetish practices? Must investigate.
TUESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Lagos High Court. Was there. Saw Daddy 3 in preparation for my Abuja case before Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers, Monday next.
Investigated the story that a judge was involved in fetish practices in the Resource Centre. Found it a gross exaggeration.
WEDNESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Lagos High Court. Was there. My case could not go on, courtesy D.P.P. Lagos State’s office. They couldn’t produce further witnesses since December 6, 2006 and after six adjournments. Terrible.
Have you heard of the Philadelphia 10 group in the Lagos Judiciary? Will ‘gist’ you better later on them.
THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Ikeja High Court. Was there. Quite dry. Lawyers are not many in court, courtesy the judicial paralysis in the institution caused by the failure, neglect or inability of the Chief Judge to re-assign thousands of non-part heard cases to new judges.
FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Lagos High Court. For lawyers’ business. Had an interesting day at the Election Petition Tribunal. Saw Daddy 3. To remind ‘Baba’ of my Abuja case.
As usual, the giant was ready to march to battle. God bless good Daddies.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
FIRST WEEK NOVEMBER 2007
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2007
The Squib’s out. Cover Story entitled - FIGHTING JUDGE, Fit to Continue in office?
Was at the magistrate court Bolade Oshodi; for a case. Later went to the Ikeja High Court for the monthly meeting of the Tigers-NBA Ikeja Branch.
As usual the meeting was well attended with about 150 lawyers present. One of them was ‘Cousin’ Deacon Dele Adesina Esq. DDA was the cynosure of all eyes today. Little wonder. Just last week, announcement came. DDA now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Silk. Another Tiger, a silk.
Methinks the last Tiger to be silk was Layi Babatunde. Three or four years ago. Tigers are waiting for ‘proper washing’ from DDA.
Tigers marched, almost full house, to the Chief Judge’s office to protest about the unending delay in the re-assignment of part-heard cases.
Eventually, it was only some exco members and a few other leaders who went in to see the Chief Judge. The outcome? Promises and assurances. As usual.
TUESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. What a dry place today! Only few judges sitting. Others gone to conference, Judges’ Conference. And, for the whole of the week.
Judges away from primary assignments to attend judges’ conference? Why couldn’t they arrange such a ‘Parapo’ conference during the annual vacation or for a 3 day period, say Thursday - Saturday of the week?
Wonder, wonder, wonder.
WEDNESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Ikeja High Court. Was there for a case. Thank God, judge was not off to Abuja judge’s Conference like many of her peers. Just like yesterday, if not even worse, the Ikeja High Court looked a Ghost Town.
Heard quite an interesting tale about a lady magistrate. Yesterday. Interesting I say, but no telling.
Later in the afternoon, went on gecko mission to Magistrate Court, Ebute Metta. Again, no telling. Yet.
THURSDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2007.
Was at the Lagos High Court for a joint meeting of the Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu bars over the Law School Fees problem. Law School students now required to pay N220,000.00 as tuition fees aside some other fees jerking it all up to the region of N400,000.00
The NBA must intervene.
In the afternoon was at Great LASU. Alma Mater. Witnessed the swearing in ceremony of the new leaders of the University Students Union. Ahmed Agbabiaka a.k.a. ‘Agba’ the new president.
The university Vice - Chancellor, Professor Hussain also present. Rather curious.
FRIDAY 9TH NOVEMBER, 2007.
No where near the courts today. Can’t say the same for the Geckos. Catch?
MONDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2007
The Squib’s out. Cover Story entitled - FIGHTING JUDGE, Fit to Continue in office?
Was at the magistrate court Bolade Oshodi; for a case. Later went to the Ikeja High Court for the monthly meeting of the Tigers-NBA Ikeja Branch.
As usual the meeting was well attended with about 150 lawyers present. One of them was ‘Cousin’ Deacon Dele Adesina Esq. DDA was the cynosure of all eyes today. Little wonder. Just last week, announcement came. DDA now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Silk. Another Tiger, a silk.
Methinks the last Tiger to be silk was Layi Babatunde. Three or four years ago. Tigers are waiting for ‘proper washing’ from DDA.
Tigers marched, almost full house, to the Chief Judge’s office to protest about the unending delay in the re-assignment of part-heard cases.
Eventually, it was only some exco members and a few other leaders who went in to see the Chief Judge. The outcome? Promises and assurances. As usual.
TUESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. What a dry place today! Only few judges sitting. Others gone to conference, Judges’ Conference. And, for the whole of the week.
Judges away from primary assignments to attend judges’ conference? Why couldn’t they arrange such a ‘Parapo’ conference during the annual vacation or for a 3 day period, say Thursday - Saturday of the week?
Wonder, wonder, wonder.
WEDNESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER, 2007
Ikeja High Court. Was there for a case. Thank God, judge was not off to Abuja judge’s Conference like many of her peers. Just like yesterday, if not even worse, the Ikeja High Court looked a Ghost Town.
Heard quite an interesting tale about a lady magistrate. Yesterday. Interesting I say, but no telling.
Later in the afternoon, went on gecko mission to Magistrate Court, Ebute Metta. Again, no telling. Yet.
THURSDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2007.
Was at the Lagos High Court for a joint meeting of the Lagos, Ikeja and Ikorodu bars over the Law School Fees problem. Law School students now required to pay N220,000.00 as tuition fees aside some other fees jerking it all up to the region of N400,000.00
The NBA must intervene.
In the afternoon was at Great LASU. Alma Mater. Witnessed the swearing in ceremony of the new leaders of the University Students Union. Ahmed Agbabiaka a.k.a. ‘Agba’ the new president.
The university Vice - Chancellor, Professor Hussain also present. Rather curious.
FRIDAY 9TH NOVEMBER, 2007.
No where near the courts today. Can’t say the same for the Geckos. Catch?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
LAST WEEK OCTOBER/FIRST WEEK NOVEMBER 2007
SQUIB DIARY
Monday 29th October 2007
The Squib is out. Cover story - “Shame! High Court Judge Fights Judicial Assistant.” Promises to be a best-seller. Was at the Lagos State Court Igbosere for an election petition matter.
Later came to the Ikeja High Court. Saw Squib selling like hot ‘akara.’
Tuesday 30th October 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court Igbosere. For a case. Did it and left. Must say that the toilets on the corridor to the Court of Appeal, are still in fine condition. Well maintained. The ladies in charge should be commended. Moving motions in that place is no pain at all. Pleasurable really.
Got to Ikeja High Court, to do some checks.
Wednesday 31st October 2007
Was briefly at the Ikeja High Court. However was around enough to see some “Task Force Men” filiming the various shops and stalls in compound ‘B’ of the Ikeja High Court, which truth to tell had become swamped with business centres, food canteens, liquor sellers etc.
Thursday 1st November 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. In the afternoon, saw bands of armed task force men, overturning various kiosks and stalls in compound ‘B’ of the Ikeja High Court.
The owners and operators of these make-shift constructions could only looked on helplessly.
Heard feeble protestations from the owners that they were no squatters. That they were put in their positions by certain government authorities after paying certain fees.
Noticed that the High Court was ‘dry’. Only few lawyers around. The Lagos State High Courts have turned into a ghost town. Hundreds, if not thousands of non-part heard cases still remain un-assigned to judges. How tragic! Even for freshly filed cases, it’s taking weeks before the RECORDS SECTION takes them to the Administrative Judge to assign them to various judges, even fundamental right actions. Tragically wonderful. Yet the NBA seems unperturbed. Alas!
Friday 2nd November 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Saw that the vendors and kiosk owners temporarily displaced yesterday by KAI Task Force man had bounced back. Very much back in their different places, they were. Was informed of the plight of a barrister, Adebowale Adesina locked up by the police at Pedro Police Station. The lawyer’s offence? Police claimed he was obstructing the execution of a court order. Got there with two other Tigers, Dare Akande {leader} and Biyi. Met lawyer Adesina already released. Seems an interesting matter, though.
Related links: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
http://www.squibanticorruption.com
Monday 29th October 2007
The Squib is out. Cover story - “Shame! High Court Judge Fights Judicial Assistant.” Promises to be a best-seller. Was at the Lagos State Court Igbosere for an election petition matter.
Later came to the Ikeja High Court. Saw Squib selling like hot ‘akara.’
Tuesday 30th October 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court Igbosere. For a case. Did it and left. Must say that the toilets on the corridor to the Court of Appeal, are still in fine condition. Well maintained. The ladies in charge should be commended. Moving motions in that place is no pain at all. Pleasurable really.
Got to Ikeja High Court, to do some checks.
Wednesday 31st October 2007
Was briefly at the Ikeja High Court. However was around enough to see some “Task Force Men” filiming the various shops and stalls in compound ‘B’ of the Ikeja High Court, which truth to tell had become swamped with business centres, food canteens, liquor sellers etc.
Thursday 1st November 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. In the afternoon, saw bands of armed task force men, overturning various kiosks and stalls in compound ‘B’ of the Ikeja High Court.
The owners and operators of these make-shift constructions could only looked on helplessly.
Heard feeble protestations from the owners that they were no squatters. That they were put in their positions by certain government authorities after paying certain fees.
Noticed that the High Court was ‘dry’. Only few lawyers around. The Lagos State High Courts have turned into a ghost town. Hundreds, if not thousands of non-part heard cases still remain un-assigned to judges. How tragic! Even for freshly filed cases, it’s taking weeks before the RECORDS SECTION takes them to the Administrative Judge to assign them to various judges, even fundamental right actions. Tragically wonderful. Yet the NBA seems unperturbed. Alas!
Friday 2nd November 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Saw that the vendors and kiosk owners temporarily displaced yesterday by KAI Task Force man had bounced back. Very much back in their different places, they were. Was informed of the plight of a barrister, Adebowale Adesina locked up by the police at Pedro Police Station. The lawyer’s offence? Police claimed he was obstructing the execution of a court order. Got there with two other Tigers, Dare Akande {leader} and Biyi. Met lawyer Adesina already released. Seems an interesting matter, though.
Related links: http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
http://www.squibanticorruption.com
Saturday, October 27, 2007
THIRD WEEK OCTOBER 2007
SQUIB DIARY
Monday 15th October 2007
Squib’s out. Cover story “What’s the worth of a Doctor’s Life, a revisit of the C.O.P. Vs Ibinabo Fiberesima case. Was at the Lagos High Court, specifically Justice Adebisi Kayode-Ogunmekan’s Court. Nice ambience, in the court. Furniture, floor tiles, lighting; air-conditioning, now very okay. Pray they last.
Tuesday 16th October 2007
Was not in court today. Went to the Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri. As a visitor, of course. Silly. Saw my Dad, today. Daddy 3, I mean. The old guy still pushing himself so hard, even at 76. Old school, hard-as-flint folks always like that. Can you imagine Daddy 3 still burning midnight candles preparing cases? Since he cannot change by himself, I pray, here and now - “Oh God, help touch my Daddy, so that he can slow down. Thank you God for answered prayers.”
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Saw groups of law students from the Lagos State University {LASU} in some courts. They came to watch proceedings. Learnt from their leaders that the visit was strictly a students’ initiative. Commendable I say.
Noticed a ‘Pool of Siloam’ on the corridor of Justice Obadina’s court. The source of the pool is a leak from one of the pipes taking condensed water away from the air conditioning engines in the court room. Messy, quite messy a pool, growing green moss. Somebody may slip there, one of these days.
Monday 15th October 2007
Squib’s out. Cover story “What’s the worth of a Doctor’s Life, a revisit of the C.O.P. Vs Ibinabo Fiberesima case. Was at the Lagos High Court, specifically Justice Adebisi Kayode-Ogunmekan’s Court. Nice ambience, in the court. Furniture, floor tiles, lighting; air-conditioning, now very okay. Pray they last.
Tuesday 16th October 2007
Was not in court today. Went to the Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri. As a visitor, of course. Silly. Saw my Dad, today. Daddy 3, I mean. The old guy still pushing himself so hard, even at 76. Old school, hard-as-flint folks always like that. Can you imagine Daddy 3 still burning midnight candles preparing cases? Since he cannot change by himself, I pray, here and now - “Oh God, help touch my Daddy, so that he can slow down. Thank you God for answered prayers.”
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Saw groups of law students from the Lagos State University {LASU} in some courts. They came to watch proceedings. Learnt from their leaders that the visit was strictly a students’ initiative. Commendable I say.
Noticed a ‘Pool of Siloam’ on the corridor of Justice Obadina’s court. The source of the pool is a leak from one of the pipes taking condensed water away from the air conditioning engines in the court room. Messy, quite messy a pool, growing green moss. Somebody may slip there, one of these days.
Geckos report an incident between a lawyer and his driver at the Court of Appeal. The lawyer’s case was struck out by the court because of his absence. Yet, the lawyer was very much about in the court premises but could not appear in the court room. Reason - his driver bringing his wig and gown did not arrive the court in time. Claimed traffic jam, lawyer was not appeased. Driver got the sack. Instanta. The lawyer? Ladi Williams S.A.N.
Thursday 18th October 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Rather dull in the courts today. Only few lawyers about. The courts are dry these days since the new legal year. Reason is obvious. The High Courts and Magistrate Courts have not been sitting full force. Many courts still undergoing renovation. But not Patricia Etteh style.
Friday 19th October 2007
Wonders shall never end. Heard that at the Lagos High Court, only one judge Toyin Taiwo J. sat today. Heard that many of the others took the day off to be with Honourable Justice Oke-Lawal who was marking her birthday. Incredible? This can’t be true. Ha!
Related links: http://www.editorspark.wordpress.com
SECOND WEEK OCTOBER 2007
Monday 8th October 2007
Tuesday 9th October 2007
Wednesday 10th October 2007
Friday 11th October 2007
Public Holiday (Ramadan).
Related links:http://www.learnedsquib.wordpress.com
http://www.squibcoverstory.wordpress.com
http://www.editorspark.wordpress.com
Squib's out. Cover story on the 60 day jailing of one Moroof Ayinde Lateef by Justice M.O. Obadina for contempt of court. The said Lateef would be in prison till 4th December 2007. Hopefully by then, the man who is a claimant before Justice Obadina and had used strong offensive language against the court might have been purged of his contempt.
Was at the magistrate cour, Bolade Oshodi. Neat court room. Neat court compound.
NBA Ikeja branch held its monthly meeting today. As usual with the Tigers, it was a full house, full of excitement. No dull moment. The A.O.B was specially delicious. Hot debates raged to and fro on the powers of the Attorney General of the federation over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Most Tigers seemed to be in support of the AGF's constitutional superiority over the EFCC.
There was a certain wicked "Too-much-learning-has-made-you-mad" speech by a certain Mr. Squib against another Tiger. When the affected Tiger insisted on the withdrawal of the "offensive language," Mr. Squib retracted it thus: "Too-much-learning-has-not-made-you-mad."
Tuesday 9th October 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court for an election petition matter. Quite a long day. From there at the late hour of 3.00 p.m, moved to Maximum Security Prisons Kirikiri to see a client.
Wednesday 10th October 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Geckoing all about since my case in court did not go on. Thank God, the NBA Ikeja Secretariat toilet came back to life, after about five weeks. Well, only one of the four toilets was now functioning.
Friday 11th October 2007
Public Holiday (Ramadan).
Related links:http://www.learnedsquib.wordpress.com
http://www.squibcoverstory.wordpress.com
http://www.editorspark.wordpress.com
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
FIRST WEEK OCTOBER 2007
SQUIB DIARY by Adesina Ogunlana www.squibanticorruption.com
FIRST WEEK OCTOBER 2007
Monday 1st October 2007
Public Holiday. Nigeria’s Independence Day. SQUIB under production.
Tuesday 2nd October 2007
Squib’s out. Cover Story on the investigation of the House of Assembly on the financial accounts of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Was at the Lagos High Court. Received a shock in Honourable Justice Kayode Ogunmekan’s court. The shocker was that less than two weeks after the court’s newly completed floor was completed, it was already cracking up! Attended the special valedictory court session for late Sobo Sowemimo SAN at the foyer of the Lagos High Court.
Wednesday 3rd October 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court for an election petition matter. Otunba Abimbola Adegbesan vs. INEC and Ors. Witnessed an infuriated lawyer (whose car was blocked by one of the new Lagos Judiciary Staff buses at the car park) and a security man. In fact, the bus blocked off no less than six other cars. The infuriated lawyer was mad with the security man for allowing the driver of the bus to park the way he did and walk away! The security man claimed helplessness in the circumstances. Thought the counsel was right and wrong at the same time. Right in his points, but wrong, very wrong in shouting and screaming abuses, even maledictions in the court premises. A classic “Agbero” (motor park tout) protest act. Not good enough comportment for a counsel with over a decade of practice at the bar. You want to know the counsel? Sorry but won’t satisfy your curiosity.
Thursday 4th October 2007
Nowhere near the courts today. Went to Kirikiri. The Max. Met with one or two clients there. While waiting at the rustic reception point to see the clients, witnessed routine extortion of other visitors to the place by warders on security duty there. Applications to see inmates are processed for a fee. Subtle intimidation and cajolery of people were routine by the warders to get some bucks. Are their superiors unaware of this ugly and shameful exercise? At the Lagos High Court, another valedictory session was held for another departed silk – Olatunji Lardner SAN. Learnt that Governor Raji Fashola SAN came to Ikeja High Court to present new vehicles to fourteen (14) magistrates. Lucky chaps. All their other colleagues had collected their own cars about two years ago. Well, better late than never. Say?
Friday 5th October 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Was in Justice J.O.K Oyewole’s court. Saw how the court freed a young woman prosecuted by the EFCC on an 8 count charge. Hardly had the judge pronounced her not guilty that the stunned girl bolted out of the court room in unbelieving joy. Well, can you blame her? Certainly it was no easy road to freedom.
FIRST WEEK OCTOBER 2007
Monday 1st October 2007
Public Holiday. Nigeria’s Independence Day. SQUIB under production.
Tuesday 2nd October 2007
Squib’s out. Cover Story on the investigation of the House of Assembly on the financial accounts of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Was at the Lagos High Court. Received a shock in Honourable Justice Kayode Ogunmekan’s court. The shocker was that less than two weeks after the court’s newly completed floor was completed, it was already cracking up! Attended the special valedictory court session for late Sobo Sowemimo SAN at the foyer of the Lagos High Court.
Wednesday 3rd October 2007
Was at the Lagos High Court for an election petition matter. Otunba Abimbola Adegbesan vs. INEC and Ors. Witnessed an infuriated lawyer (whose car was blocked by one of the new Lagos Judiciary Staff buses at the car park) and a security man. In fact, the bus blocked off no less than six other cars. The infuriated lawyer was mad with the security man for allowing the driver of the bus to park the way he did and walk away! The security man claimed helplessness in the circumstances. Thought the counsel was right and wrong at the same time. Right in his points, but wrong, very wrong in shouting and screaming abuses, even maledictions in the court premises. A classic “Agbero” (motor park tout) protest act. Not good enough comportment for a counsel with over a decade of practice at the bar. You want to know the counsel? Sorry but won’t satisfy your curiosity.
Thursday 4th October 2007
Nowhere near the courts today. Went to Kirikiri. The Max. Met with one or two clients there. While waiting at the rustic reception point to see the clients, witnessed routine extortion of other visitors to the place by warders on security duty there. Applications to see inmates are processed for a fee. Subtle intimidation and cajolery of people were routine by the warders to get some bucks. Are their superiors unaware of this ugly and shameful exercise? At the Lagos High Court, another valedictory session was held for another departed silk – Olatunji Lardner SAN. Learnt that Governor Raji Fashola SAN came to Ikeja High Court to present new vehicles to fourteen (14) magistrates. Lucky chaps. All their other colleagues had collected their own cars about two years ago. Well, better late than never. Say?
Friday 5th October 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Was in Justice J.O.K Oyewole’s court. Saw how the court freed a young woman prosecuted by the EFCC on an 8 count charge. Hardly had the judge pronounced her not guilty that the stunned girl bolted out of the court room in unbelieving joy. Well, can you blame her? Certainly it was no easy road to freedom.
Friday, October 12, 2007
LAST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 2007
SQUIB DIARY By Adesina Ogunlana www.squibanticorruption.com
Monday 24th September 2007
The Squib’s out. The first in the year. CoverStory: Tiger’s New Legal Year 2007 statement.
Was at the Ikeja High Court and saw many lawyers moving about like sheep without a shepherd.
Not only were many courts undergoing belated renovation, virtually all the judges have been reposted from their divisions. The effect? Confusion. Not a few wondered at the timing of the renovation and transfers.
To worsen things, all non-part heard matters in their scores – if not hundreds, were sent back to the Records Section for re-assignment by the Chief Judge. Of course no reassignment has been done and the earliest assurance of that being done according to Records Section is 2-4 weeks. Wonderful! What a mess, what a disaster really in terms of delaying and clogging the wheels of justice administration.
In line with the tradition here of scorning the Bar, the authorities never deemed it fit to contact, communicate with, not to talk of consulting the bar on these developments. First class geckos informed the Squib that one of the apparatchiks of the present regime, Ayo Odugbesan, a Deputy Chief Registrar pointedly told some bar leaders who came for a meeting with the Chief Judge a few weeks ago, that the Alabi administration had no need to inform the bar about any changes or developments in the Lagos Judiciary.
Wow! Bravo!
Now we know why we are where we are today.
Tuesday 25th September 2007
Rainy Day. Was Briefly at the Ikeja High Court. Left for the Ministry of Justice, specifically to the Directorate of Public Prosecution. To see the D.P.P you go there 2.00 – 4.00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Got there well within the hours stipulated this day but couldn’t get to see the official after about a fifty minute wait. By the way, there is a new D.P.P now, no longer Efunbowale Gbadebo. It’s now Adebola Okikiolu-Ighile. The same one. The former D.P.P. Bless you.
Wednesday 26th September 2007
Was at Ikeja High Court. Had the misfortune of visiting the holding cell in the court’s premises. Oh what strong, foul odour fills the whole place. Overpowering stench, yet detainees and warders stay in there. Unbelievable. Serious health crisis imminent if that place is not cleaned up and fumigated immediately. Have been seeing some brand new Kia vehicles, about twenty in the court’s compound. Who could they be for? Magistrates?
In the afternoon, got to the lair of the Ikeja Tigers, the Bar Centre. Couldn’t use the convenience there. No water! Seems this “No water” situation is now a recurring decimal. Can’t the problem be permanently solved?
Thursday 27th September 2007
Was at the Court of Appeal Lagos. Usual lawyer’s work. What was unusual was that after the appeal was dismissed as prayed for – both appellant and respondents were happy and embraced one another and thanked the counsel too!
One day you may hear the full gist of the rather curious case involving a champertous old lawyer.
Friday 28th September 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Briefly. So quiet.
Monday 24th September 2007
The Squib’s out. The first in the year. CoverStory: Tiger’s New Legal Year 2007 statement.
Was at the Ikeja High Court and saw many lawyers moving about like sheep without a shepherd.
Not only were many courts undergoing belated renovation, virtually all the judges have been reposted from their divisions. The effect? Confusion. Not a few wondered at the timing of the renovation and transfers.
To worsen things, all non-part heard matters in their scores – if not hundreds, were sent back to the Records Section for re-assignment by the Chief Judge. Of course no reassignment has been done and the earliest assurance of that being done according to Records Section is 2-4 weeks. Wonderful! What a mess, what a disaster really in terms of delaying and clogging the wheels of justice administration.
In line with the tradition here of scorning the Bar, the authorities never deemed it fit to contact, communicate with, not to talk of consulting the bar on these developments. First class geckos informed the Squib that one of the apparatchiks of the present regime, Ayo Odugbesan, a Deputy Chief Registrar pointedly told some bar leaders who came for a meeting with the Chief Judge a few weeks ago, that the Alabi administration had no need to inform the bar about any changes or developments in the Lagos Judiciary.
Wow! Bravo!
Now we know why we are where we are today.
Tuesday 25th September 2007
Rainy Day. Was Briefly at the Ikeja High Court. Left for the Ministry of Justice, specifically to the Directorate of Public Prosecution. To see the D.P.P you go there 2.00 – 4.00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Got there well within the hours stipulated this day but couldn’t get to see the official after about a fifty minute wait. By the way, there is a new D.P.P now, no longer Efunbowale Gbadebo. It’s now Adebola Okikiolu-Ighile. The same one. The former D.P.P. Bless you.
Wednesday 26th September 2007
Was at Ikeja High Court. Had the misfortune of visiting the holding cell in the court’s premises. Oh what strong, foul odour fills the whole place. Overpowering stench, yet detainees and warders stay in there. Unbelievable. Serious health crisis imminent if that place is not cleaned up and fumigated immediately. Have been seeing some brand new Kia vehicles, about twenty in the court’s compound. Who could they be for? Magistrates?
In the afternoon, got to the lair of the Ikeja Tigers, the Bar Centre. Couldn’t use the convenience there. No water! Seems this “No water” situation is now a recurring decimal. Can’t the problem be permanently solved?
Thursday 27th September 2007
Was at the Court of Appeal Lagos. Usual lawyer’s work. What was unusual was that after the appeal was dismissed as prayed for – both appellant and respondents were happy and embraced one another and thanked the counsel too!
One day you may hear the full gist of the rather curious case involving a champertous old lawyer.
Friday 28th September 2007
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Briefly. So quiet.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Squib Welcome Message...
Hi everybody...this is the first post of Squib; a 'gecko' who from his 'perch' has a bird's eye view of happenings on the legal scene in the land of Naija and makes his report. We hope to get your comments as we go along!!
Squib Welcome Message...
Hi everybody...this is the first post of Squib; a 'gecko' who from his 'perch' has a bird's eye view of happenings on the legal scene in the land of Naija and makes his report. We hope to get your comments as we go along!!
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