The Body of Benchers
The Body of Benchers is a statutory Body established by the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962 (as amended), Cap. L11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Section 3 of the Act stipulates that the Body of Benchers is the Legal Body of Practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession, which shall be responsible for the formal call to the Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as disciplining of erring lawyers.

After Nigeria’s independence the Unsworth Commission of Legal Education was constituted by the then Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The major recommendation was then henceforth all Lawyers should attend a mandatory course at the Nigeria Law School as a pre-condition for enrolment at the Supreme Court.
When the Body of Benchers was established, it had 16 members who were known as Foundation Members and were conferred with the state of Life Benchers, with Hon. Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, GCON as the pioneer Chairman of the Body.
The Body of Benchers is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal. This is provided for pursuant to Section 3 (2) of the Act. This means the Body can sue and be sued in its own corporate name.
Being a Body created by an enabling law, the status of the Body as provided under the Legal Practitioners Act is that of an agency of the Federal Government under the Judiciary.
COMPOSITION OF THE BODY OF BENCHERS
The Chief Justice of Nigeria and all the Justices of the Supreme Court;
The President of the Court of Appeal
The Attorney General of the Federation;
The Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeal Divisions;
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja;
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court;
The Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeal Divisions;
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja;
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court;
The Chief Judges of the States of the Federation;
The Attorney-General of the States of the Federation;
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association;
The Chairman of the Council of Legal Education;
Thirty Legal Practitioners nominated by the Nigerian Bar Association;
Such Number of persons not exceeding ten, who appear to the Body of Benchers to be eminent members of the Legal Profession in Nigeria of not less than 15 years’ of post-call standing.
FUNCTIONS OF THE BODY OF BENCHERS
- Call to Bar: One of the vital functions of the Body of Benchers is the formal Call to the Bar of persons desirous of becoming Legal Practitioners. This means that every qualified lawyer in Nigeria, whether belonging to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor or at the Bench as a Judge or Magistrate only becomes so qualified by virtue of being called to the Bar by the Body of Benchers and issued a certificate of Call.
- Discipline of Lawyers: Another vital function of the Body of Benchers is the discipline of erring lawyers in Nigeria. This key function is carried out by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the Body of Benchers. The Committee is charged with the duty of considering and determining any case where it is alleged that a person whose name is on the role has misbehaved in his capacity as a legal practitioner or for any other reason be the subject of proceedings under the Legal Practitioners Act.
- The Body of Benchers makes certain regulations towards upholding the core values of the legal profession. The Body of Benchers plays the significant advisory role of ensuring a harmonious relationship between the Bar and the Bench on any matter referred to the Body as it relates to the overall development of the legal profession. This important role is discharged by the Elders Committee of the Body.
- Section 3 (5) of the Legal Practitioners Act provides that the Body of Benchers shall have the power to make regulations for inter alia determining in connection thereto of any matter, which, in the opinion of the Benchers, requires to be determined.
- Sequel to the powers conferred on the Body of Benchers in (d) above, the Body, in its regulations provided for the establishment of Standing Committees of the Body from time to time and for such purposes as may be determined by the Body.
MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF BENCHERS
A. CHAIRMAN
Hon. Justice Mary U. Peter-Odili, CFR, DSSRS
Life Bencher
B. VICE-CHAIRMAN
Chief A. S. Awomolo, SAN
Life Bencher
C. FORMER CHAIRMEN OF THE BODY OF BENCHERS
- Hon. Justice Adetokumbo Ademola, GCFR (Deceased) 1971-1972
- Hon. Justice Taslim Ellias, GCON (Deceased) 1972-1973
- Sir Darnley Alexender, KBE (Deceased) 1973-1974
- Hon. Justice Augustine Nnamani (Deceased) 1974-1975
- Hon. Justice Mohammed Bello, GCON (Deceased) 1975-1976
- Hon. Justice G.S. Sowemimo, GCON (Deceased) 1976-1977
- Chief Toye Coker, SAN (Deceased) 1977-1978
- Chief Dr. G. C. M. Onyuike, SAN (Deceased) 1978-1979
- Chief T.O. S. Benson, CFR, SAN (Deceased) 1979-1980
- Hon. Justice Fatayi-Williams, GCON (Deceased) 1980-1981
- Chief R.O.A. Akinjide, CON, SAN (Deceased) 1981-1982
- Hon. Justice A.G. Irikefe, GCON (Deceased) 1982-1983
- Alh. A. G. F. Abdul-Razaq, OFR, SAN (Deceased) 1983-1984
- Hon. Justice Kayode Eso, CON (Deceased) 1984-1985
- Chief F.R.A. Williams, CFR, SAN (Deceased) 1985-1986
- Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir, GCON (Deceased) 1986-1987
- Hon. Justice A.O. Obaseki, CON (Deceased) 1987-1988
- Webber George Egbe, QC, SAN (Deceased) 1988-1989
- Hon. Judge Prince Bola CFR, SAN
1989-1990 - Chief Bankole Oki, SAN (Deceased)
1992-1993 - Hon. Justice M.L. Uwais, GCON
1993-1994 - Mr. Kehinde Sofola, CON, SAN (Deceased) 1994-1995
- Hon. Justice M.M.A. Akanbi, CON (Deceased) 1995-1996
- Dr. Mudiaga Odje, OFR (Deceased) 1996-1997
- Hon. Justice S.M.A Belgore, GCON
1997-1998 - Mrs. H.A. Balogun, OON
1998-1999 - Hon. Justice A. B. Wali, CON (Deceased) 1999-2000
- Alh. Abdullahi Ibrahim, CON, SAN (Deceased) 2000-2001
- Hon. Justice Karibi-Whyte, CON (Deceased) 2001-2002
- Sir C. O. Akpamgbo, SAN (Deceased) 2002-2003
- Hon. Justice I.L. Kutigi, GCON (Deceased) 2003-2004
- Chief Debo Akande, SAN (Deceased) 2004
- Hon. Justice S. U. Onu, CON (Deceased) 2004-2006
- Chief M. A. Ajomale (Deceased)
2006-2007 - Hon. Justice Umar F. Abdullahi, CON 2007-2008
- Elder S.M. Olakunri, SAN 2008-2009
- Hon. Justice A. Katsina-Alu, GCON (Deceased) 2009-2010
- Chief G.N. Uwechue, SAN 2010-2011
- Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, GCON (Deceased) 2011-2012
- Chief Idowu Sofola, MON, SAN (Deceased) 2012-2013
- Hon. Justice M.A. Mukhtar, GCON
2013-2014 - Chief T.J.O. Okpoko, OON, SAN
2014-2015 - Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, GCON 2015-2016
- Chief Bandele A. Aiku, SAN (Deceased) 2016-2017
- Hon. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON 2017-2018
- Alh. Bashir M. Dalhatu 2018-2019
- Hon. Justice Dr. I. T. Muhammad, CFR 2019-2020
- Mr. O. C. J. Okocha, MFR, SAN 2020-2021
- Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, CFR 2021-2022
- Chief Wole Olanipekun, OFR, SAN
2021-2022
CURRENT LIFE BENCHERS
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Chief Amb. C.D. Orike
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Hon. Justice T.A. Oyeyipo, OFR
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K. O. Longe, Esq
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Alh. (Dr.) Aliyu Salman, SAN
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Hon. Justice Uthman Mohammed, CON
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Hon. Justice A.I. Iguh, CON
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Hon. Justice U.A. Kalgo, CFR
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Hon. Justice G.A. Oguntade, CFR
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Hon. Justice S.A. Akintan, CON
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Hon. Justice R.H. Cudjoe, OFR
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Hon Justice Umaru Eri, CON
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Hon. Justice D.N. Eyamba-Idem, OFR
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Chief Badru Olaogun
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Chief A.S. Awomolo, SAN
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Chief Albert Akpomudje, SAN
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Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN
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Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, OON, SAN
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Hon. Justice A.I. Salami, CON
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Hon. Justice J.O. Ogebe, CON
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Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar, OFR
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Hon. Justice B.S. Bansi, OFR
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Hon. Justice R.P.I. Bozimo, OFR
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Mr. J. B. Daudu, SAN
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Sir G. Ofodile Okafor, OON, SAN
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Hon. Justice F.F. Tabai, CON
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Hon. Justice J.A. Fabiyi, CFR
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Hon. Justice Z.A. Bulkachuwa, CFR
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Hon. Justice Ibrahim Umar, OFR
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Hon. Justice L.H. Gummi, OFR
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Hon. Justice A.N. Nwankwo, CON
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Tijjani Inuwa-Dutse, mni, Esq
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Mr. R.A. Lawal-Rabana, SAN
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Chief O.B. Onyali, SAN
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Chief (Mrs) Pricilla O. Kuye
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Yinka Fayokun, Esq
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Chief Sena Anthony
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Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN
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Mr. A.B. Mahmoud, OON, SAN
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Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima, CFR
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Hon. Justice S.A. Mahuta, OFR
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Hon. Justice I.N. Ndu, OFR
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Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN
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Prince Lanke Odogiyon
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(H.E.) Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN
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Chief M.O.O. Nwamu
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Mr. Yusuf O. Ali, SAN
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Mrs. Fatima Kwaku, MFR
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Hon. Justice Amiru Sanusi, OFR
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Chief J. K. Gadzama, OFR, SAN
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(H.E.) Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR
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Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN
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Mr. Okey Wali, SAN
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Hon. Justice K. B. Akaahs, OFR
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Hon. Justice M. D. Mohammed
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Hon. Justice C. B. Ogunbiyi
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Hon. Justice M. Peter Odili, CFR
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Hon. Justice M. L. Garba
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Hon. Justice M. B. Dongban- Mensem
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Hon. Justice H.Y. Heman, CON
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Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, OFR
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Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, CON
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Hon. Justice I. N Auta, OFR
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A. Mustapha Goniri, Esq
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Mr. Umeh Kalu, SAN
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Chief Bayo Ojo, CON, SAN
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Mr. Tajudeen Oladoja, Esq
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Mr. Emmanuel C. Ukala, SAN
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Ichie L.M.E Ezeofor
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Mr. Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN
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Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, CON, SAN
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Chief Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN
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Mr. C. A. Ajuyah, SAN
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Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, CON
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Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola
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Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun
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Hon. Justice Amina Augie, CON
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Hon. Justice P. A. Galumje
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Hon. Justice U. M. Abba Aji
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Hon. Justice R. C. Agbo
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Hon. Justice J. O. Bada
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Hon. Justice S. Denton West
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Hon. Justice A. S. Dahiru, OFR
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Hon. Justice Kulu Aliyu, OFR
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Mrs. Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN
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Mr. Joe Abrahams, SAN
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Hon. Edward G. Pwajok, SAN
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Hon. Justice C. O. Idahosa
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Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN
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Mr. Akin Osinbajo, SAN
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Hon. Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi
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Hon. Justice A.S. Daramola
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Hon. Justice Peter N.C. Umeadi
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Hon. Justice Josephine Y. Tuktur
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Hon. Justice O.O. Olopade, CON
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Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN
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Mr. Sani H. Garun Gabas, SAN
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Chief John A. A. Ochoga
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Lady Debbie N. Obodokwu
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Mr. Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN
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Ebenezer Obeya, Esq
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Ibrahim Mark, Esq
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Mrs. H. A. Turaki
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Hon. Justice O. F. Omoleye
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Hon. Justice H. M. Ogunwunmiju
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(H. E.) Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN
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S. Ibrahim Tahir, Esq
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Hon. Justice Olufunola O. Adekeye, CON
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Hon. Justice S. S. Alagoa, OFR
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Hon. Justice Oyebola O. Ojo
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Hon. Justice S. U. Dikko
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Prof. Ogugua V. C. Ikpeze
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Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN
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(H. E.) Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON
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Mr. D. D. Dodo, OFR, SAN
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Hon. Justice J. I. Okoro
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Hon. Justice C. C. Nweze
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Hon. Justice Abdul Aboki
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Hon. Justice I. K. Banu
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Hon. Justice Marshal Umukoro
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Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello
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Murtala Aliyu Kankia, Esq
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Hon. Justice A. G. Mshelia
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Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN
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Hon. Justice S. D. Kawu
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Hon. Justice M. L. Abimbola
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Hon. Justice P. O. Nnadi
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Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN
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Kaka Shehu Lawan, Esq
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Mr. Sulaiman Usman, SAN
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Dr. Francis Chuka Agbu, SAN
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Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih, SAN
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Dr. T. C. Osanakpo, SAN
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Hon. Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, CON
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Mr. Joe Agi, SAN
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Hon. Justice Ahmad Belgore
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Hon. Justice Rabi Umar
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Hon. Justice Nura S. Umar
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Chief Miletus Eze
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Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq
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Mr. Ibrahim Sanni Muhammed, SAN
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Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
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George Etomi, Esq
DECEASED LIFE BENCHERS
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Hon. Justice F. O. Anyaegbunam, CON
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Chief B. A. Ibironke, SAN
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Otunba (Mrs) Ajayi Okunuga, SAN
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Hon. Justice A. N. Aniagolu, CON
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Hon. Justice Philip Nna-Emeka Agu, CON
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Hon. Justice H. O. Okwuosa
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Hon. Justice M. E. Ogundare, CON
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Hon. Justice Muazu Mohammed, OFR
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Hon. Justice Edem Koofreh
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Prof. Jelili Omotola, SAN
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Chief Olisa Chukwura, OFR, SAN
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Chief Philip Umeadi, SAN
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Dr. F. A. Ajayi, OON, SAN
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Hon. Justice C. O. Oputa, CON
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Law O. Akhidenor, Esq
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Chief D. O. Ajijola, SAN
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Chief Chike Ofodile, SAN
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Hon. Justice M. B. Belgore
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Hon. Justice S. S. Darazo, OFR
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Hon. Justice A. O. Ejiwunmi, CON
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Hon. Justice Olajide Olatawura, CON
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Chief Andrew Ayemene, SAN
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Hon. Justice Niki Tobi, CON
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Segun Onakoya, Esq
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Chief N. Nwanodi, SAN
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Alh. S. A. M. Liberty, OFR
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M. U. Ibrahim, Esq
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Chief J. K. Jegede, SAN
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Hon. Justice M. S. Commassie, CON
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Chief Bayo Aluko-Olokun, SAN
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Hon. Justice M. O. Onalaja, OFR
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Charles Mafua, Esq
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Abdulhameed Ibrahim, Esq
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Hon. Justice L. C. Dakyen
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Mr. Obi Okwusogu, SAN
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Hon. Justice I. F. Ogbuagu, CON
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Hon. Justice F. A. Ibiyeye, OFR
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(HRM) D.V.F. Olateru Olagbegi, CFR
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Hon. Justice M.D. Saleh, CON
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Hon. Justice G. M. Nabaruma
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Chief A.O.E Eghobamien, SAN
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Hon. Justice Nasiru Ajanah, CON
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Inuwa Abdul-Kadir, Esq
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Hon. Justice J.N. Ndajiwo, OFR
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Hon. Justice Adamu Aliyu, OFR
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Hon. Justice Shehu Atiku
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Chief Ziggy Azike
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Hon. Justice N. S. Ngwuta, CFR
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Hon. Justice Aminu Sabo Ringim
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Hon. Justice K. M. Kolo
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Hon. Justice I. Hwande, OFR
JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT
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Hon. Justice Dr. I.T. Muhammad, CFR Chief Justice of Nigeria, LB
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Hon. Justice M. Peter Odili, CFR Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice M.D. Muhammad Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice J. I. Okoro Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice C. C. Nweze Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice Amina Augie, CON Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko Justice, Supreme Court
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Hon. Justice U. M. Abba Aji Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice H.M. Ogunwumiju Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice Lawal Garba Justice, Supreme Court, LB
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Hon. Justice M.M Saulawa Justice, Supreme Court
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Hon. Justice J. Adamu Jauro Justice, Supreme Court
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Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar Justice, Supreme Court
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Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim Justice, Supreme Court
PRESIDING JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEAL
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Hon. Justice M. B. Dongban- Mensem President, Court of Appeal, LB
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Hon. Justice Joseph. S. Ikyegh Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt,
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Hon. Justice R. C. Agbo Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Calabar, LB
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Hon. Justice J. O. Bada Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Lagos, LB
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Hon. Justice O. F. Omoleye Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Benin, LB
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Hon. Justice James Shehu Abiriyi Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Jos
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Hon. Justice J. H. Sankey Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Gombe
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Hon. Justice. Ahmad O. Belgore Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Enugu
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Hon. Justice Ali. A.B Gumel Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Sokoto
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Hon Justice H. S. Tsammani Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Abuja
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Hon. Justice M. A. Owoade Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Kaduna
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Hon. Justice U. I. Ndukwe-Anyanwu Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ilorin
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Hon. Justice Ita George Mbaba Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Kano
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Hon. Justice Chidi N. Uwa Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Yola
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Hon. Justice T. N. Orji-Abadua Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ekiti
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Hon. Justice H. S. Tsammani Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Abuja
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Hon Justice C. E. Nwosu-Iheme Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Awka
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Hon. Justice A. O. Lokulo-Sodipe Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Akure
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Hon. Justice R. N Pemu Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Owerri
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Hon. Justice Mohammed A. Danjuma Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Asaba
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Hon. Justice I. I. Agube Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Makurdi
CHIEF JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT
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Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho President, Court of Appeal, LB
ACTING CHIEF JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA
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Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf President, Court of Appeal, LB
CHIEF JUDGES OF STATES
- Justice Onuoha A. K. Ogwe
Chief Judge, Abia State - Hon. Justice Nathan Musa
Chief Judge, Adamawa State - Hon. JusticeEkaette F. Fabian-Obot
Chief Judge, Akwa-Ibom State - Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu
Chief Judge, Anambra State - Hon. Justice Rabi T. Umar
Chief Judge, Bauchi State - Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, CON
Chief Judge, Bayelsa State, LB - Hon. Justice Aondover Kakaan
Chief Judge, Benue State - Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, OFR
Chief Judge, Borno State, LB - Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme
Chief Judge, Cross River State - Hon. Justice Theresa T. Obiajulu O. Diai
Chief Judge, Delta State - Hon. Justice Ngene Anagu Elvis
Chief Judge, Ebonyi State - Hon. Justice Joe Acha
Chief Judge, Edo State
13. Hon. Justice Oyewole Adeyeye
Chief Judge, Ekiti State
14. Hon. Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena
Chief Judge, Enugu State
15. Hon. Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak
Chief Judge, Gombe State
16. Hon. Justice T. E. Chikeka
Chief Judge, Imo State
17. Hon. Justice Umaru Maigari Sadiq
Chief Judge, Jigawa State
18. Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Bello
Chief Judge, Kaduna State
19. Hon. Justice Nura Sagir Umar
Chief Judge, Kano State
20. Hon. Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar
Chief Judge, Katsina State
21. Hon. Justice Mohammed Suleiman Ambursa
Chief Judge, Kebbi State
22. Hon. Justice Richard Oloruju Olorunfemi
(Ag) Chief Judge, Kogi State
23. Hon. Justice Sulyman Kawu
Chief Judge, Kwara State, LB
24. Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba
Chief Judge, Lagos State
25. Hon. Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu
Chief Judge, Nasarawa State
26. Hon. Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdumalik
(Ag) Chief Judge, Niger State
27. Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu
Chief Judge, Ogun State
28. Hon. Justice W. A. Akintoroye
Chief Judge, Ondo State
29. Hon. Justice Oyebola A. Ojo
Chief Judge, Osun State, LB
30. Hon. Justice Munta L. Abimbola
Chief Judge, Oyo State, LB
31. Hon. Justice David G. Mann
Ag. Chief Judge, Plateau State
32. Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi
Chief Judge, Rivers State
33. Hon. Justice Saídu Sifawa
Chief Judge, Sokoto State
34. Hon. Justice Philibus Andhetur
Chief Judge, Taraba State
35. Hon. Justice Gumna Kasim Kaigama
Chief Judge, Yobe State
36. Hon. Justice Kulu Aliyu
Chief Judge, Zamfara State, LB
HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE
Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, LB