NBA drags Atiku’s lawyer before disciplinary panel over ‘Coconut Judge’ remark

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) against Kalu Kalu, lawyer to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, over his alleged disparaging remarks against Justice Peter O. Lifu of the Federal High Court.

Kalu made the controversial “coconut judge” remark during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on November 11, while discussing a court judgment involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its implications for Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition.

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During the programme, Kalu challenged suggestions that the ruling had undermined Atiku’s presidential prospects. The programme’s host subsequently cautioned him against making personal attacks on a sitting judicial officer and asked him to withdraw the remark.

The lawyer agreed to withdraw the statement but maintained that judicial decisions could be criticised on their merits.

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In a statement issued on Friday, November 13, NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, condemned the language used by Kalu, stressing that lawyers must criticise court judgments through legal arguments rather than personal attacks.

She said the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, require lawyers to uphold the dignity of the courts and maintain professional standards in public discussions.

According to her, the NBA had submitted a formal petition to the LPDC alongside the television programme’s recording for consideration under established disciplinary procedures.

Badejo-Okusanya emphasised that Kalu would be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the committee determines whether his conduct constitutes professional misconduct.

She added that the responsibility for determining any violation and imposing appropriate sanctions rests with the disciplinary committee.

The NBA president urged lawyers to challenge judicial decisions through lawful channels while maintaining respect for the judiciary and the ethical standards of the legal profession.

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