NLS V. CAC: Nigerian Law Society Expels Senior Lawyers Over CAC Lawsuit, Notifies Court of Appeal
The Nigerian Law Society(NLS) has issued a letter to the President of the Court of Appeal informing the court of the explusion of certain members for failing to withdraw a law suit between the NLS and the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The letter dated 4th January, 2026, reads in part:
NOTIFICATION OF EXPULSION OF CERTAIN LEGAL PRACTITIONERS LISTED AS PROMOTERS AND RESPONDENTS IN THE PENDING LAWSUIT BETWEEN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) AND THE PROMOTERS OF THE NIGERIAN LAW SOCIETY (NLS)
We respectfully write to notify the Court of Appeal and the general public of developments concerning certain individuals listed as promoters and respondents in the on-going lawsuit at the Court of Appeal between the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the promoters of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS).
The affected persons include:
1. Chief J. K. Gadzama, SAN
2. Chief Mela Audu Nunghe, SAN
3. Chief Emeka Ichoku
4. Mrs. Chioma Ferguson
5. Mr. Tejumola Adigun
And other persons similarly listed as promoters and respondents in the said suit
By a letter dated 30th December 2025, the above-mentioned senior lawyers and other promoters were formally directed to withdraw the said lawsuit. Despite this directive, they refused and/or neglected to comply. A copy of the said letter is hereby enclosed for ease of reference.
Consequently, by this letter, we formally inform Your Lordship that the aforementioned persons are no longer members of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS), having been expelled due to their refusal to withdraw the said lawsuit and for conduct inconsistent with the objectives, discipline, and lawful administration of the Society.
We further wish to place it on record that the legitimate Nigerian Law Society (NLS) duly received its Certificate of Registration dated 30th December 2025 from the relevant agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria. A copy of the Certificate of Registration is also enclosed.
This notification is issued for the information of the Court of Appeal, other courts of law, relevant authorities, and the general public, in order to prevent any misunderstanding as to the status, authority, or representation of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) in any pending or future proceedings.
Please accept, My Lord, the assurances of our highest consideration.
The letter was signed by the NLS President Ambassador Dr. Dahiru Aliyu, SCN.
