The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned that it will discipline lawyers who deliberately file frivolous ex parte motions to interfere in intra-party affairs, describing the practice as an abuse of court process that undermines judicial integrity. The NBA said such conduct erodes public confidence in the judiciary and will attract sanctions from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Speaking on the growing trend of politically-motivated ex parte applications, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, stated that while courts have inherent powers to grant ex parte orders, lawyers must exercise restraint and professional responsibility. “The courtroom should be a forum for justice, not intimidation,” the NBA said, adding that alleged misconduct by lawyers should be addressed through disciplinary channels rather than through detention or summary punitive measures.
The association stressed that not every act of discourtesy to the court amounts to contempt, nor does any conduct which involves a breach by counsel of his duty to his client. “Courts must distinguish between acts of discourtesy, incivility, uncouth behaviour, or rudeness,” the NBA stated. It warned that misuse of contempt powers can create a culture of intimidation and judicial bullying.
The NBA maintained that violations of ethical rules attract serious sanctions from the LPDC, including suspension, fines, or permanent disbarment depending on the severity of the misconduct. “Even after being called to the bar, a lawyer can be stripped of that title and barred from practicing in Nigeria if found guilty of grave ethical breaches,” the association added.
As of April 10, 2026, there are no publicly available reports specifically naming “Nafiu Gombe’s lawyer” in connection with the NBA’s warning on frivolous ex parte motions in intra-party affairs. The NBA’s position reflects its broader stance against abuse of ex parte applications in political cases.
