NBA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OUSTS SPIDEL’S, AIKPOKPO-MARTINS, AND OTHERS FOLLOWING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST IGP

The executives of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), led by John Aikpokpo-Martins, have been removed by the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-NEC). During their quarterly meeting in Jos, Plateau State, last week, the NBA-NEC made the decision.

In addition to the removal, the NBA-NEC instructed the withdrawal of all public interest court cases initiated by the outgoing SPIDEL executives. The cases are to be handed over to the newly constituted caretaker committee.

The appointed caretaker committee comprises Ben Oji from the Warri branch, Funke Aderemi from the Ilorin branch, Yakubu Philemon (SAN) from the Abuja branch, and Eva Amadi from the Port Harcourt branch.

Furthermore, the NBA-NEC proscribed the Forum of Body of Vice Chairmen and any other forum or body not recognized by the NBA constitution. The NEC also expressed confidence in the NBA executive committee led by President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN).

President Maikyau had accused SPIDEL chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins of taking unauthorized actions beyond the section’s mandate and undermining his office. He had ordered officials to cease activities pending a meeting on February 1.

Previously, the NBA-SPIDEL, under Aikpokpo-Martins’ leadership, had filed a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, challenging the legality of the issuance of the Central Motor Information System for vehicle owners nationwide. This legal action came after a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force, with a letter dated January 29, 2024, signed by Aikpokpo-Martins and NBA-SPIDEL Secretary Funmi Adeogun.

Idowu Isamotu and Idowu Isamotu; From the News: DailyTrust