The Delta State High Court, Warri Judicial Division, has granted an interim injunction in the ongoing leadership dispute within the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL).
The order, issued by Justice Anthony Olotu Akpovi on July 9th, 2024, restrains the defendants from organizing and holding any conference or conducting elections on behalf of NBA-SPIDEL pending the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
The claimant, John Aikpokpo-Martins Esq., filed the suit (W/128/2024) on behalf of himself and members of the NBA-SPIDEL Executive Committee, with the exception of any members opposed to the action. The defendants are Ben Oji, representing himself and members of a purported NBA-SPIDEL caretaker committee, and the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association.
During the ex parte hearing on July 6th, the court, in the interest of justice, protection of the rule of law, and balance of convenience, ordered that the status quo remain and the NBA-SPIDEL conference be postponed until further notice. The claimant was directed to enter into an undertaking of N250,000 in the event the application is found to have been made mala fide.
The court granted accelerated hearing and scheduled the motion on notice and originating summons for July 16th and 30th, with additional hearing dates during the court vacation on August 1st, 5th, and 19th.
Notices of the consequences of disobedience to the court order (Form 48) have been issued to Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, and Yakubu Philemon, SAN, at the NBA House in Abuja.