SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story- “Will the Trial judge, suffer for convicting Chief Olabode George?” Was at the Ikeja High Court. Regular People. Regular Sights-including the Excreta filled frontage of Justice Alogba’s court.
Expectedly, there were some talks about on the loss of the finals of the under 17 FIFA World Cup tournament by Nigeria to Switzerland by 1-0 yesterday. At any rate, there was some consolation in the air - Nigeria qualified for the World Cup for the 4th time on Saturday 14 November, by beating Kenya 3-2 and topping their group ahead of the more likely winner Tunisia.
TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. But for a brief while. Moved on to the Lagos High Court-For this and that legal preparation, for a serious case, coming up tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2009
Busy, busy day. God knows my bones too. Did three cases in two courts, in two high courts all in a space of three hours. After finishing the first two cases at the High court at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, literally sprinted to make the third in good time, at the Lagos High Court Igbosere, more than half a kilometer away.
THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2009
Woke up to find that the Lord of the Dry Air, a.k.a harmattan had arrived town. Got to the Ikeja High Court and spent a few hours there, particularly, at the new “out-going” secretariat of the Tiger Bar.
In a matter of weeks, or even days, the bungalow would be pulled down, after more than twenty years of service, to pave way for the Tiger’s new office edifice.
All eyes will behold it. Amen!
FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was in the chambers all through today. It’s like that sometimes, you know.
SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2009
Came to the Police College Ikeja grounds for the Tigers Bar Sportif Programme. Only two other tigers turned up. No problem though. We still had our exercise and fun.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2ND WEEK NOVEMBER 09 ( 9TH-13TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story- How Bode's boys Batter(sic) Barrister in court. http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Lest I forget, since two weeks now, the open registry which was shifted to two former court rooms and chambers (Justice Adesanya’s court and Justice Dayo Oyebanji court) have relocated back to their former offices, “ever and more modern too”, directly behind Justice Oshodi’s court.
TUESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Moved around, lawyering and 'geckoing,' if you know what I mean.
WEDNESAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2009
Hectic Day. First bus-stop: The magistrate court, Ebute-metta. Waited for hours on end (9.00-1:15p.m) for presiding magistrate to show up.
When his honour came (from new base) with some explanation work started. From Ebute-Metta dashed down to the Lagos High Court, before leaving off to Ikeja High Court. For a meeting of the Tiger Bar Executive Committee.
THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Regular lawyer’s job. Sorted these out and geckoed a bit. The chairman (Dave Ajetomobi), 1st Vice Chairman, (Dare Akande), the secretary (Isa Buhari) of the Tiger Bar and one or two members of the branch off to Osogbo to the law week of the Osogbo bar. That’s one fun-trip the 1st Gecko had to miss.
FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2009
Thank God it’s Friday. So far, had been a hectic week. Most times, it’s like that - work, work and work…and yet more work.
Notice that progress continues in the building of the New Secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Bravo! But more work yet.
MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story- How Bode's boys Batter(sic) Barrister in court. http://www.squibcoverstory.blogspot.com
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Lest I forget, since two weeks now, the open registry which was shifted to two former court rooms and chambers (Justice Adesanya’s court and Justice Dayo Oyebanji court) have relocated back to their former offices, “ever and more modern too”, directly behind Justice Oshodi’s court.
TUESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Moved around, lawyering and 'geckoing,' if you know what I mean.
WEDNESAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2009
Hectic Day. First bus-stop: The magistrate court, Ebute-metta. Waited for hours on end (9.00-1:15p.m) for presiding magistrate to show up.
When his honour came (from new base) with some explanation work started. From Ebute-Metta dashed down to the Lagos High Court, before leaving off to Ikeja High Court. For a meeting of the Tiger Bar Executive Committee.
THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Regular lawyer’s job. Sorted these out and geckoed a bit. The chairman (Dave Ajetomobi), 1st Vice Chairman, (Dare Akande), the secretary (Isa Buhari) of the Tiger Bar and one or two members of the branch off to Osogbo to the law week of the Osogbo bar. That’s one fun-trip the 1st Gecko had to miss.
FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2009
Thank God it’s Friday. So far, had been a hectic week. Most times, it’s like that - work, work and work…and yet more work.
Notice that progress continues in the building of the New Secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Bravo! But more work yet.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
1ST WEEK NOVEMBER 09 (2ND - 7TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib's out. Cover story? “BODE GEORGE GOES TO "SCHOOL” The jailing of a prominent politician by a High Court Judge, (Oyewole J.) last week.
It was a full house in the courts this morning as litigants, lawyers and other members of the public were around in large number. The situation could have been different. If the Lagos State branch of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had joined their other colleagues in some other states to embark on industrial action.
The JUSUN, Lagos branch is quite an important branch - it is not only the largest, but the most sophisticated and located in the very capital of journalism in Nigeria - Lagos. The failure of the JUSUN-Lagos to join the strike, took the shine off the action across the nation. Can tell that branch members are divided over the “non-joining” posture of Lagos JUSUN. While some said it was strategic, others accused the branch leaders of compromising their interests in the new alliance with the new chief judge of Lagos State.
TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Spent only about thirty minutes, there before “Vamoosing.” Can see great progress being made in the building of the new secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch.
WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2009
Arrived the Lagos High Court, Igbosere for a case. Bemusedly watched as a counsel jumped up to tell the honourable presiding judge that he was representing the defendant (accused) who had just briefed him that morning. Yet half a minute before then another counsel had announced appearance, for the same defendant. When the judge asked the man in the dock to identify his counsel of the two, he disowned “Mr. just-newly briefed-counsel!” May be it was a case of the devil you know...
THURSDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Never went on. Moved on to the Magistrate Court Ebute-Metta, where I saw a “Charge and Bail” brethren on his customary perch on a table, placed in such a way that all ingress and egress into the court’s compound was open to the perching counsel. Well positioned, you’d say!
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Did it and “zoomed” off to the Ebute-metta magistrate court. What a dirty court. Gaining access thereto was also a bother. The road was choked up with haphazardly packed vehicles. Even though there are ten courts at the EBT magistrate court, it has no registry. All filings take place in the magistrate court Sabo. Rushed down to Sabo and filed papers. The Sabo court is by far cleaner and 'saner' than Ebute-Metta’s.
SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Police College Ikeja playing ground for the sport and fitness programme of the NBA Ikeja branch. Only one Tiger participated today. My humble self. Managed to have a good time though. After, moved to the bar centre to join some other 'Exco' members to supervise the offloading of several tonnes of cement bags there. Who says the Tigers are not going to have a bigger and more befitting secretariat soon?
MONDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2009
The Squib's out. Cover story? “BODE GEORGE GOES TO "SCHOOL” The jailing of a prominent politician by a High Court Judge, (Oyewole J.) last week.
It was a full house in the courts this morning as litigants, lawyers and other members of the public were around in large number. The situation could have been different. If the Lagos State branch of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had joined their other colleagues in some other states to embark on industrial action.
The JUSUN, Lagos branch is quite an important branch - it is not only the largest, but the most sophisticated and located in the very capital of journalism in Nigeria - Lagos. The failure of the JUSUN-Lagos to join the strike, took the shine off the action across the nation. Can tell that branch members are divided over the “non-joining” posture of Lagos JUSUN. While some said it was strategic, others accused the branch leaders of compromising their interests in the new alliance with the new chief judge of Lagos State.
TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. Spent only about thirty minutes, there before “Vamoosing.” Can see great progress being made in the building of the new secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch.
WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2009
Arrived the Lagos High Court, Igbosere for a case. Bemusedly watched as a counsel jumped up to tell the honourable presiding judge that he was representing the defendant (accused) who had just briefed him that morning. Yet half a minute before then another counsel had announced appearance, for the same defendant. When the judge asked the man in the dock to identify his counsel of the two, he disowned “Mr. just-newly briefed-counsel!” May be it was a case of the devil you know...
THURSDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a matter. Never went on. Moved on to the Magistrate Court Ebute-Metta, where I saw a “Charge and Bail” brethren on his customary perch on a table, placed in such a way that all ingress and egress into the court’s compound was open to the perching counsel. Well positioned, you’d say!
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. Did it and “zoomed” off to the Ebute-metta magistrate court. What a dirty court. Gaining access thereto was also a bother. The road was choked up with haphazardly packed vehicles. Even though there are ten courts at the EBT magistrate court, it has no registry. All filings take place in the magistrate court Sabo. Rushed down to Sabo and filed papers. The Sabo court is by far cleaner and 'saner' than Ebute-Metta’s.
SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2009
Was at the Police College Ikeja playing ground for the sport and fitness programme of the NBA Ikeja branch. Only one Tiger participated today. My humble self. Managed to have a good time though. After, moved to the bar centre to join some other 'Exco' members to supervise the offloading of several tonnes of cement bags there. Who says the Tigers are not going to have a bigger and more befitting secretariat soon?
Friday, November 6, 2009
4TH WEEK OCTOBER (26TH - 30TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MON. 26TH OCT 09
The Squib's out. Coverstory on the mass re-posting of Magistrates by the new Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J.
Arrived Ikeja High court only to find it in the grip of bedlam. Confusion reigned in the adjourning streets of Compound A of the Ikeja High Court as the gates thereto were firmly locked against members of the public, lawyers, litigants and judiciary staff.
Reason? Judgement in the Case of FRN vs Olabode George in progress. In Honourable Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s court.
Quite a struggle it was at the gate as people battled to enter the court compound to attend to their various businesses.
Little respite until about 12.30pm. News surfaced around 1.pm that Bode “Lagos Boy” George and his other co-accused had received mandate to have two years stay at the Maximum prisons Kirikiri.
Could confirm that the Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J had cleared her office of attached furniture therein. New seats now in use in the C.J’s office. Hope that the change will extend to other courts.
TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. Court today wasits normal self, free of the “Bode George effect” of yesterday. The rain, in the afternoon, fell. Hard, heavy and furious.
WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court today. The court at Igbosere and one at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Couldn’t but smile to myself when some fellows hailed my entrance with some funny salutations and hailing, “Awaiting SAN!” International Lawyer! Editor-in-Chief! SAN-in-waiting! Squib baba! Guess that you too are now smiling. The whole thing smacked of commercial praise singing.
THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. For the Ogunlana vs Sotuminu & Ors Case. Matter did not go on as the judge did not sit.
FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2009
Spent at least two hours covering the 8 kilometer distance between my house and the Ikeja High Court. Courtesy, traffic jam.
The mandatory continuous education of the NBA held at the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. Scanty attendance. Later in the day, watched at the Bar Centre, the soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in the Under 17 FIFA World Cup taking place in Nigeria.
Nigeria won 2-1.
MON. 26TH OCT 09
The Squib's out. Coverstory on the mass re-posting of Magistrates by the new Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J.
Arrived Ikeja High court only to find it in the grip of bedlam. Confusion reigned in the adjourning streets of Compound A of the Ikeja High Court as the gates thereto were firmly locked against members of the public, lawyers, litigants and judiciary staff.
Reason? Judgement in the Case of FRN vs Olabode George in progress. In Honourable Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s court.
Quite a struggle it was at the gate as people battled to enter the court compound to attend to their various businesses.
Little respite until about 12.30pm. News surfaced around 1.pm that Bode “Lagos Boy” George and his other co-accused had received mandate to have two years stay at the Maximum prisons Kirikiri.
Could confirm that the Chief Judge of Lagos State Inumidun Akande J had cleared her office of attached furniture therein. New seats now in use in the C.J’s office. Hope that the change will extend to other courts.
TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. Court today wasits normal self, free of the “Bode George effect” of yesterday. The rain, in the afternoon, fell. Hard, heavy and furious.
WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court today. The court at Igbosere and one at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Couldn’t but smile to myself when some fellows hailed my entrance with some funny salutations and hailing, “Awaiting SAN!” International Lawyer! Editor-in-Chief! SAN-in-waiting! Squib baba! Guess that you too are now smiling. The whole thing smacked of commercial praise singing.
THURSDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. For the Ogunlana vs Sotuminu & Ors Case. Matter did not go on as the judge did not sit.
FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2009
Spent at least two hours covering the 8 kilometer distance between my house and the Ikeja High Court. Courtesy, traffic jam.
The mandatory continuous education of the NBA held at the Bar Centre of the Ikeja High Court. Scanty attendance. Later in the day, watched at the Bar Centre, the soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in the Under 17 FIFA World Cup taking place in Nigeria.
Nigeria won 2-1.
3RD WEEK OCTOBER (19TH - 24TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story on the use of attached goods in the offices of the Lagos state Judiciary. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. In Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. Matter adjourned till tomorrow. Outside the court on the corridor saw Major Al-Mustapha, former Police Commissioner James Danbaba and two others of their case-mates (the Alex Ibru attempted murder case). In a swell of symphatizers. That case has been on since 1999.
Strolled to the front of the chief judge’s office. Noticed beautification project in progress. Was glad to hear that at the High Court in Igbosere, Lagos, the Chief Judge sat. Understood her cause list for the day had 22 cases and she heard them all. Hmmm, what a departure from a period in the past when a particular chief judge used to sit once in a blue moon?
Heard that last week the chief judge with her chief registrar and deputy chief registrars went on an inspection tour of various courts in the state.
TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in Ikeja High Court. For wig and gown business. My matters went on. The court rooms appeared dirty. Heard that the contractor in-charge of cleaning up the environment has been sacked. No replacement yet.
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For a case. Matter did not go on, although the court sat. After spending some time geckoing, left for a snap visit to the Lands Registry and the Ministry of Justice, Alausa Ikeja before finally berthing at the secretariat of the Tiger Bar Ikeja .
THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ogba Police Station. The Area ‘G’. Proper trouble house. A lot of hollering all around. Cops here and there. With guns and guns without.
Left the place in good time. Then went for a meeting of bar leaders with the Chief Judge Lagos State. Fruitful meeting.
FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. The one at the old National Assembly building at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. For a case. Saw a retired judge, now in the form and shape of a litigant. How true the proverbs of our fathers-
Igba o tan lo bi orere
Orere omo olofin
(no permanence in the
stations and affairs of men)
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tiger’s Sports Programme. At a point, was the only Tiger present. Then the chairman of the branch ‘surfaced’. Later the scriptures that “If yea refused to worship the Lord, then these very trees would raise up their voices to praise him” came true. Four damsels emerged from nowhere to apply to the Elekun of Ekun land, and my humble self, the Mayegun of Ikeja Bar and the Majeobaje of Tigerland to kick balls with us. Only dead Tigers would reject such application.
Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time together. You know?
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story on the use of attached goods in the offices of the Lagos state Judiciary. Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case. In Justice Mufutau Olokooba’s court. Matter adjourned till tomorrow. Outside the court on the corridor saw Major Al-Mustapha, former Police Commissioner James Danbaba and two others of their case-mates (the Alex Ibru attempted murder case). In a swell of symphatizers. That case has been on since 1999.
Strolled to the front of the chief judge’s office. Noticed beautification project in progress. Was glad to hear that at the High Court in Igbosere, Lagos, the Chief Judge sat. Understood her cause list for the day had 22 cases and she heard them all. Hmmm, what a departure from a period in the past when a particular chief judge used to sit once in a blue moon?
Heard that last week the chief judge with her chief registrar and deputy chief registrars went on an inspection tour of various courts in the state.
TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in Ikeja High Court. For wig and gown business. My matters went on. The court rooms appeared dirty. Heard that the contractor in-charge of cleaning up the environment has been sacked. No replacement yet.
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. For a case. Matter did not go on, although the court sat. After spending some time geckoing, left for a snap visit to the Lands Registry and the Ministry of Justice, Alausa Ikeja before finally berthing at the secretariat of the Tiger Bar Ikeja .
THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ogba Police Station. The Area ‘G’. Proper trouble house. A lot of hollering all around. Cops here and there. With guns and guns without.
Left the place in good time. Then went for a meeting of bar leaders with the Chief Judge Lagos State. Fruitful meeting.
FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Lagos High Court. The one at the old National Assembly building at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. For a case. Saw a retired judge, now in the form and shape of a litigant. How true the proverbs of our fathers-
Igba o tan lo bi orere
Orere omo olofin
(no permanence in the
stations and affairs of men)
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College for the Tiger’s Sports Programme. At a point, was the only Tiger present. Then the chairman of the branch ‘surfaced’. Later the scriptures that “If yea refused to worship the Lord, then these very trees would raise up their voices to praise him” came true. Four damsels emerged from nowhere to apply to the Elekun of Ekun land, and my humble self, the Mayegun of Ikeja Bar and the Majeobaje of Tigerland to kick balls with us. Only dead Tigers would reject such application.
Needless to say, we all had a wonderful time together. You know?
2ND WEEK OCTOBER 09 (12TH - 17TH)
SQUIB DIARY
MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story is “WHEN CAN LAWYERS DRESS SHABBILY?”
Noticed that more and more digging up in the old secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Remember the Tigers are set to have a befitting three Story building for office to replace their pre-fab bungalow.
Did some filing at the Open Registry of the Court and zoomed off to the Land Registry for some other work. The L.T is an apparent gold-mine for the government-the parking lot fee alone is #500.00 per car, per visit. Yet scant space for vehicles to park.
As usual with most government establishment, demanding and collecting gratification is a life-style here. While one staff told us “the “machine” is not working” another explained it is the toner that is finished, but if you put something on top, your job will be given priority” while another yet called us to a private conference saying after “you finish in that office ‘X’ and that office ‘Y’, bring your papers, I’ll help you to submit it.
Believe me, Nigeria is a funny country. Assessed fees were paid to an “under the tree” branch of the Access Bank, in the form of four young men in a black car, armed with payment vouchers/receipts, in a shopping complex a road away and opposite the Lands Registry. You wondered at the arrangement!
TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case that couldn’t go on. Reason the court room’s air-conditioning packed up. Honourable Judge couldn’t sit in sweltering heat. In the High Court Ikeja, compound ‘A’ there’s no more Food Canteen. The age-long operator, may be of more than twenty years stay, been sent packing. Heard that the new Administration of Chief Judge Inumidun Akande is responsible for the sack-part of the effort to re-brand the High Court premises.
WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2009
It rained, and rained and rained. Cats and dogs, it rained, here in Lagos. For about six hours (6.30-1.00pm) thereabouts.
The wet weather affected matters in court as so many legal practitioners arrived late to court. Adjournment of matters galore!
THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court Ikoyi-Lagos. For Adesina Ogunlana vs Justice Ibitola Sotuminu &Ors. Matter was adjourned.
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. Once more. For a very important case. Very. Would give you fuller gist later.
Saw a particular judge of the Federal High Court. Only yesterday, he was a counsel, just like you and I. Now he is now a patridge on the ridge-a judge.
Wished milord the very best in his new station of life. We actually prayed together, briefly right there and then on the way.
Came down to the Ikeja High Court, late in the afternoon. At the bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja) saw a lot of development work in progress at the site. Soon the old straggle would fo down. Well, that’s life.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2009
Can you imagine this-The NBA Ikeja’s Tigers Sportif Club is one year old? The Tiger Bar Sports and Fitness programme started October 18 2009.
We thank God.
Tigers and their families who turned up for the proramme, had a nice time, running, jugging and later playing football.
Fresh limed paw0paw and pineapple were eaten, courtesy Glo(ria) Nwenze, the treasurer of the branch. Photographs were taken later of the attendees.
MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover Story is “WHEN CAN LAWYERS DRESS SHABBILY?”
Noticed that more and more digging up in the old secretariat of the NBA Ikeja branch. Remember the Tigers are set to have a befitting three Story building for office to replace their pre-fab bungalow.
Did some filing at the Open Registry of the Court and zoomed off to the Land Registry for some other work. The L.T is an apparent gold-mine for the government-the parking lot fee alone is #500.00 per car, per visit. Yet scant space for vehicles to park.
As usual with most government establishment, demanding and collecting gratification is a life-style here. While one staff told us “the “machine” is not working” another explained it is the toner that is finished, but if you put something on top, your job will be given priority” while another yet called us to a private conference saying after “you finish in that office ‘X’ and that office ‘Y’, bring your papers, I’ll help you to submit it.
Believe me, Nigeria is a funny country. Assessed fees were paid to an “under the tree” branch of the Access Bank, in the form of four young men in a black car, armed with payment vouchers/receipts, in a shopping complex a road away and opposite the Lands Registry. You wondered at the arrangement!
TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court for a case that couldn’t go on. Reason the court room’s air-conditioning packed up. Honourable Judge couldn’t sit in sweltering heat. In the High Court Ikeja, compound ‘A’ there’s no more Food Canteen. The age-long operator, may be of more than twenty years stay, been sent packing. Heard that the new Administration of Chief Judge Inumidun Akande is responsible for the sack-part of the effort to re-brand the High Court premises.
WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2009
It rained, and rained and rained. Cats and dogs, it rained, here in Lagos. For about six hours (6.30-1.00pm) thereabouts.
The wet weather affected matters in court as so many legal practitioners arrived late to court. Adjournment of matters galore!
THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court Ikoyi-Lagos. For Adesina Ogunlana vs Justice Ibitola Sotuminu &Ors. Matter was adjourned.
FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Federal High Court. Once more. For a very important case. Very. Would give you fuller gist later.
Saw a particular judge of the Federal High Court. Only yesterday, he was a counsel, just like you and I. Now he is now a patridge on the ridge-a judge.
Wished milord the very best in his new station of life. We actually prayed together, briefly right there and then on the way.
Came down to the Ikeja High Court, late in the afternoon. At the bar centre (secretariat of the NBA Ikeja) saw a lot of development work in progress at the site. Soon the old straggle would fo down. Well, that’s life.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2009
Can you imagine this-The NBA Ikeja’s Tigers Sportif Club is one year old? The Tiger Bar Sports and Fitness programme started October 18 2009.
We thank God.
Tigers and their families who turned up for the proramme, had a nice time, running, jugging and later playing football.
Fresh limed paw0paw and pineapple were eaten, courtesy Glo(ria) Nwenze, the treasurer of the branch. Photographs were taken later of the attendees.
1ST WEEK OCTOBER 09(5TH - 10TH)
SQUIBDIARY
MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story-“Why They Are After Me” -Dele Oye NBA PROSECUTOR CRIES OUT.
Spent hours with the motor-repair man. Came late for the Tiger Bar meeting. But still met some action. The talk on the floor when I came in was on the controversy of scrapping the Senior Advocate of Nigeria Award or not.
Incidentally at the meeting of about 200 lawyers, only one Senior Advocate - Dele Adesina S.A.N, formerly Deacon, now pastor was present.
Wondered at his feelings as criticisms of his class and rank flowed ceaselessly. Hot, sharp criticisms for that matter. When the silk spoke, it was a dance in all directions before finally gravitating to an imprecise centre. Can’t blame the poor silk, he was in a lonely minority, more like a case of “Christian seek yet no rest for you are amidst foes!"
Another interesting topic of discussion was the imprisonment of Mr. Adebayo Jegede by Justice Olusola Williams for criminal contempt. Jegede, called to the bar in 1972, was found by the judge to have attacked and lower the reputation of another Lagos State Judge, Okunnu J. in an affidavit.
At the end of the day, the consensus appeared to be that, lawyers no matter the provocation from the bench should refrain from being caught in a situation where they could properly be tried for contempt by the courts.
TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in court - the Ikeja High Court for a matter, which did not go on. Nonetheless had an interesting time in the very court. Heard from the presiding judge, the story of the Hyena and the Hunter’s Dog. See, please the Learned Squib page for elaboration. http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Heard about the sudden death of, Mr. Oluwatobi Francis Morighanfen, a member of the sheriffs corps of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Popularly called Tobi, Morighafen, 37, a beefy six-footer plus, was reportedly found stone dead in a gutter somewhere in Ikorodu Town in the early morning hours of 1st October 2009.
According to geckos, though dead, Tobi had no visible, external injury on his body, but clutched some naira notes in his palm (about N1,800.00) and his shirt (uniform) and phone were found in his bag but his trousers was in some places be-splattered with mud.
There is a general suspicion among Lagos Judiciary Staff, particularly, his fellow sheriffs, that his death was violent and un-natural and came from now unknown person(s) opined a source.
“Some of our colleagues received a call in the morning of 1st October 2009 from Tobi’s wife that her husband did not sleep at home on September 30 which was very unusual of him.
A search party was raised to find him and at about 10.00am, we found his body in the morgue at Ikorodu. The police at Owutu explained to us that they were alerted by some members of the public to the presence of a corpse and it turned out to be him.
Our shock was that all through 30th September 2009, Tobi was okay. He was normally a healthy lively fellow who loved to eat amala with some of our colleagues.
He was still in the premises till about 6.00pm, after having some drinks but some people said he had N150,000.00 with him - for the performance of an imminent execution.
Then we were told that one of the ladies who work in the courts here saw him around 10.00pm on his way to his house, but that he was having some hot argument with some policemen who arrested the “okada” man who was ferrying him to his destination.
According to the lady, she pleaded with the late Tobi to go on his way but he insisted on staying back with the Okada man whom he believed was just being cheated by the police-men.
At a point time, so claimed the lady, one of the policemen came to tell Tobi that the fact of his being a judiciary staff meant nothing to them and that it was only in the courts that Tobi could exercise any power.”
The late Morghanfen, is survived by his wife and three children. Who killed the Sheriff? And what exactly are Tobi’s employers doing about the tragic development?
WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court. Heard the depressing news that within a fortnight, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) would embark on another round of industrial action.
JUSUN’s complaint is the government’s failure to honour her agreement with the union on the new salary structure for judiciary workers all over the country.
A credible source told the Squib that as per the agreement, the lowest paid judiciary staff, on Grade 1, will earn a N27,000.00 monthly salary as opposed to (in Lagos State) the present N7,000 he receives.
So far according to our source, only two states of the 31 state federation has honoured the agreement. It would be recalled that last time the JUSUN went on strike, courts were shut down for 42 days from December 1 2008 to Jan 12 2009.
It was a strike that made many lawyers, particularly advocates go hungry as they were rustificated from practicing their trade by the closure of the courts.
Except something positive and urgent is done about JUSUN’s notice of strike, history will repeat itself. Why, I ask is it so difficult to take care of so called junior workers? Why?
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. I’ve been seeing something to cheer about, since Monday. The NBA Ikeja has finally started in earnest to replace its ‘ile-eye' (bird’s nest) of a secretariat with a bigger and more befitting structure.
Saw all manners of work men toiling on the site. Some of these workers in the course of their work, unearthed some dirty ugly secrets long buried below the earth. Could you guess what these secrets were? The name starts with a C and ends with an N’. There is ‘D’ in the middle. Do you think it is Condemn? Ha!ha!ha!
FRIDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. While geckoing about, forgot my car key in a particular place. Retrieved it safely, sha after some moments of anxiety, then continued geckoing! That, after rushing my court-room wig and gown business.
Oh my God, Justice Alogba’s court again! I mean the entrance to that court is such a mess and an eye-sore. Even worse - a cesspit of dangerous diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid etc. Burst sewage floods the place with the unmentionable. Imagine the stink!
Hope our brand new Chief Judge is reading this.
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College. This morning. With four other colleagues for our Tiger Bar week-end sports programme. Pray, where are the other Tigers. Mates you are missing some great fun. Pls come and 'shake body.' You’ve got nothing to lose, except some fat!
MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2009
The Squib’s out. Cover story-“Why They Are After Me” -Dele Oye NBA PROSECUTOR CRIES OUT.
Spent hours with the motor-repair man. Came late for the Tiger Bar meeting. But still met some action. The talk on the floor when I came in was on the controversy of scrapping the Senior Advocate of Nigeria Award or not.
Incidentally at the meeting of about 200 lawyers, only one Senior Advocate - Dele Adesina S.A.N, formerly Deacon, now pastor was present.
Wondered at his feelings as criticisms of his class and rank flowed ceaselessly. Hot, sharp criticisms for that matter. When the silk spoke, it was a dance in all directions before finally gravitating to an imprecise centre. Can’t blame the poor silk, he was in a lonely minority, more like a case of “Christian seek yet no rest for you are amidst foes!"
Another interesting topic of discussion was the imprisonment of Mr. Adebayo Jegede by Justice Olusola Williams for criminal contempt. Jegede, called to the bar in 1972, was found by the judge to have attacked and lower the reputation of another Lagos State Judge, Okunnu J. in an affidavit.
At the end of the day, the consensus appeared to be that, lawyers no matter the provocation from the bench should refrain from being caught in a situation where they could properly be tried for contempt by the courts.
TUESDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2009
Was in court - the Ikeja High Court for a matter, which did not go on. Nonetheless had an interesting time in the very court. Heard from the presiding judge, the story of the Hyena and the Hunter’s Dog. See, please the Learned Squib page for elaboration. http://www.learnedsquib.blogspot.com
Heard about the sudden death of, Mr. Oluwatobi Francis Morighanfen, a member of the sheriffs corps of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Popularly called Tobi, Morighafen, 37, a beefy six-footer plus, was reportedly found stone dead in a gutter somewhere in Ikorodu Town in the early morning hours of 1st October 2009.
According to geckos, though dead, Tobi had no visible, external injury on his body, but clutched some naira notes in his palm (about N1,800.00) and his shirt (uniform) and phone were found in his bag but his trousers was in some places be-splattered with mud.
There is a general suspicion among Lagos Judiciary Staff, particularly, his fellow sheriffs, that his death was violent and un-natural and came from now unknown person(s) opined a source.
“Some of our colleagues received a call in the morning of 1st October 2009 from Tobi’s wife that her husband did not sleep at home on September 30 which was very unusual of him.
A search party was raised to find him and at about 10.00am, we found his body in the morgue at Ikorodu. The police at Owutu explained to us that they were alerted by some members of the public to the presence of a corpse and it turned out to be him.
Our shock was that all through 30th September 2009, Tobi was okay. He was normally a healthy lively fellow who loved to eat amala with some of our colleagues.
He was still in the premises till about 6.00pm, after having some drinks but some people said he had N150,000.00 with him - for the performance of an imminent execution.
Then we were told that one of the ladies who work in the courts here saw him around 10.00pm on his way to his house, but that he was having some hot argument with some policemen who arrested the “okada” man who was ferrying him to his destination.
According to the lady, she pleaded with the late Tobi to go on his way but he insisted on staying back with the Okada man whom he believed was just being cheated by the police-men.
At a point time, so claimed the lady, one of the policemen came to tell Tobi that the fact of his being a judiciary staff meant nothing to them and that it was only in the courts that Tobi could exercise any power.”
The late Morghanfen, is survived by his wife and three children. Who killed the Sheriff? And what exactly are Tobi’s employers doing about the tragic development?
WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High court. Heard the depressing news that within a fortnight, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) would embark on another round of industrial action.
JUSUN’s complaint is the government’s failure to honour her agreement with the union on the new salary structure for judiciary workers all over the country.
A credible source told the Squib that as per the agreement, the lowest paid judiciary staff, on Grade 1, will earn a N27,000.00 monthly salary as opposed to (in Lagos State) the present N7,000 he receives.
So far according to our source, only two states of the 31 state federation has honoured the agreement. It would be recalled that last time the JUSUN went on strike, courts were shut down for 42 days from December 1 2008 to Jan 12 2009.
It was a strike that made many lawyers, particularly advocates go hungry as they were rustificated from practicing their trade by the closure of the courts.
Except something positive and urgent is done about JUSUN’s notice of strike, history will repeat itself. Why, I ask is it so difficult to take care of so called junior workers? Why?
THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. For a case that went on. I’ve been seeing something to cheer about, since Monday. The NBA Ikeja has finally started in earnest to replace its ‘ile-eye' (bird’s nest) of a secretariat with a bigger and more befitting structure.
Saw all manners of work men toiling on the site. Some of these workers in the course of their work, unearthed some dirty ugly secrets long buried below the earth. Could you guess what these secrets were? The name starts with a C and ends with an N’. There is ‘D’ in the middle. Do you think it is Condemn? Ha!ha!ha!
FRIDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Ikeja High Court. While geckoing about, forgot my car key in a particular place. Retrieved it safely, sha after some moments of anxiety, then continued geckoing! That, after rushing my court-room wig and gown business.
Oh my God, Justice Alogba’s court again! I mean the entrance to that court is such a mess and an eye-sore. Even worse - a cesspit of dangerous diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid etc. Burst sewage floods the place with the unmentionable. Imagine the stink!
Hope our brand new Chief Judge is reading this.
SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2009
Was at the Police College. This morning. With four other colleagues for our Tiger Bar week-end sports programme. Pray, where are the other Tigers. Mates you are missing some great fun. Pls come and 'shake body.' You’ve got nothing to lose, except some fat!
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