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Dasuki: Panel to Begin Hearing on Alleged Misconduct against Ex-AGF, Malami
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The Disciplinary Panel of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee is to open hearing on an allegation of professional misconduct filed against the immediate-past attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The hearing is scheduled to begin on June 14.
In an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, Malami told The PUNCH that he was aware of the panel’s scheduled hearing.
“I’m aware,” he said but did not respond to further inquiry about whether he had filed his defence and if he would be attending the hearing scheduled for Friday.
The LPPC panel’s hearing notice which was obtained by PRNigeria, an online news portal, was signed by the Secretary, the Disciplinary Committee of the Legal Practitioners’ Privilege Committee, Patricia Orhomuru.
The hearing notice was quoted to bear a reference No: PET/LPPC/23/2018 and dated May 16, 2019.
It read in part, “Take notice that the above matter is fixed for hearing by the Disciplinary Committee of the Legal Practitioner Privileged Committee of the Office of Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja on June 14, 2019 at 11.00 o’clock in the forenoon.”
The family of the detained former national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), had petitioned the LPDC, the Nigerian Bar Association and other bodies requesting that disciplinary action be taken against Malami for allegedly endorsing Dasuki’s continued detention.
The petition was in reaction to Malami’s last year media comment suggesting that Dasuki, despite meeting the latest bail granted him by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 2, 2018, would not be released from the custody of the Department of State Service on the grounds of national security.
Copies of the petition were sent to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (the body that confers on, suspends and withdraws from lawyers the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria), and the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (the body saddled with disciplining lawyers for acts of misconduct).
The petitioners want Malami to be disciplined not just as a lawyer but also as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The petitions, dated July 23, 2018, were signed by Dasuki’s son, Abubakar Dasuki; the detainee’s wife, Hajia Bintu Sambo-Dasuki, and his nephew, Senator Umaru Dahiru.
The petition read in part, “This petition has been written in order for you to also investigate the propriety of the inflammatory contemptuous and libelous statement made by Abubakar Malami, not only as a lawyer, but also as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation.
“One begins to wonder whether Abubakar Malami (SAN) is fit to be a barrister and solicitor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let alone a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation. While the whole world watches as our rule of law is being trodden upon, we are hopeful the imminent catastrophe can be avoided by your intervention.”
The petition has two titles, one of which accused Malami of making “unsalutary unprofessional statement” in respect of Dasuki’s bail.
It also accused him of denigrating the court, violating the Constitution and encouraging the continued breach of the fundamental human rights of Dasuki.
The second title states that the Federal Government of Nigeria had resolved “not to comply with any order of court admitting Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) to bail.”
The petition sought investigations into the statements credited to Malami.
The Punch
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
