By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Prominent Nigerian lawyer Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, has rejected the decision of the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee LPDC to suspend him from legal practice for three years.
The LPDC had, in a directive, issued on Wednesday July 29, 2026, found the senior lawyer guilty of soliciting and cornering briefs belonging to fellow legal practitioners.
The LPDC’s decision derived from a complaint with No BB/LPDC/1314/2024 instituted by Mr Chris Alashi against Gadzama and another lawyer, Ocha P Ulegede accusing them of illegally collecting his briefs and clients.
But in a statement, Gadzama noted that while he has not been formally served with the certified true Copy (CTC) of the said suspension by the LPDC, he has instructed his legal representatives to appeal the decision in Court.
He appealed to his clients and associates not to press the panic button, assuring them that the suspension will neither stand, nor affect his practice as a lawyer, as he hopes to secure a stay of execution of decision pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.
“The complaints against me alleged that I improperly took over another lawyer’s brief, solicited clients and wrongfully appropriated professional fees.
“Those allegations are, with respect, unfounded. I was retained directly by the judgment Creditors through written letters of instruction and acted throughout strictly in accordance with that professional retainer.
“In my respectful view, the documentary evidence before the Committee does not support the findings made against me”, Gadzama noted.
He further faulted the decision of the LPDC to entertain disputes bordering on legal representation and professional fees, insisting that those are matters outside the jurisdiction of the committee.
While expressing his determination and commitment to pursue his appeal up to the highest judicial layer in the country, he equally reassured his clients and associates that the judiciary will do justice to the matter.
“I trust in the judicial process and remain confident that justice will ultimately prevail”, he added .
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