The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has granted the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to 87 distinguished legal practitioners.
The list includes notable figures such as the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yobe State Branch, Barrister Baba Dala Fika, former National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Dr. Rapulu Ernest Nduka, Chairman of NBA Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Monday Ubani, Deremi Oguntoye, Chukwudi Enebeli, Wendy Kuku, and Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, among others.
A statement issued by Hajo Sarki Bello, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, announced that the swearing-in ceremony for the 87 successful applicants will take place on Monday, September 30, 2024. During its 164th plenary session held on Thursday, the LPPC reviewed five separate petitions against some applicants, finding each without merit and dismissing them accordingly.
Barrister Fika, who is also an influential member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former legal adviser to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been recognized for his dedication to ethical legal practice. Enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1988, Fika is now the Principal Partner of Bahama Chambers, Baba Dala & Co., Guzape, Abuja. He boasts an extensive legal career spanning over 36 years and has served in significant roles, including being a member of the APC National Screening Committee and the Presidential Screening Committee that cleared Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 general election, who was subsequently elected as Nigeria’s president.
Fika is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of the United Kingdom, a Certified Capital Market Solicitor of Nigeria, a Professional member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, and a member of the Nigeria Business Forum, specializing in Project Finance Practice.