The Nigerian Bar Association has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee over the
allegations of misconduct against the suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, and a young Aba-based, Ifunanya Grant popularly known as “baddest lawyer” on social media.
The NBA said Yunusa-Ari was dragged before the committee over his role in the supplementary governorship election in Adamawa State.
The association said there had been complaints against Ifunanya accusing her of posting pictures and videos of herself unclad and smoking marijuana on social media.
Ifunanya Excel Grant, who was admitted to the Bar in 2021, garnered widespread attention due to her controversial online posts, which included sharing nude photographs and videos of herself engaging in the consumption of marijuana. The National Publicity Secretary of the NBA revealed that the association has officially lodged charges of misconduct
against Grant, along with Mr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State.
Mr. Yunusa-Ari’s case stems from his involvement in prematurely declaring the results of the 2023 supplementary governorship election in Adamawa State while the vote counting process was still ongoing. On the other hand, the allegations against Miss Ifunanya primarily focus on her online conduct, including the dissemination of explicit content and her participation in drug-related activities.
In an official statement released by the NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, it was revealed that the decision to pursue disciplinary measures was reached during the association’s recent monthly meeting. This meeting, chaired by NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau and attended by national officers, led to the establishment of an ad-hoc committee. The committee consists of prominent figures within the NBA, including the 1st Vice President Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, Mr. Daniel Kip (Assistant General Secretary), the Chairperson of the NBA Women’s Forum, and the Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch.
Furthermore, the statement shed light on an ongoing investigation concerning alleged bribery attempts involving Justice Flora Azinge of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Kano. The NBA has formally requested comprehensive details from Justice Azinge to facilitate a thorough inquiry into this matter, as conveyed in a letter dated August 16, 2023.
The legal action taken by the NBA demonstrates a proactive approach to address instances of professional misconduct within the legal community and underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in the legal profession. The outcomes of these cases are anticipated to significantly influence the perception of the legal profession’s integrity in Nigeria.
As these legal proceedings unfold, legal professionals, media, and the general public alike will closely monitor the broader legal and societal implications. The NBA’s unwavering commitment to
accountability and the preservation of the legal profession’s dignity will undoubtedly shape future discussions surrounding lawyers’ behavior in the digital era.
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