Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, has rejected the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) directing his suspension from legal practice for three years, insisting that the directive will not take effect once an appeal is filed in accordance with the Legal Practitioners Act.
In a statement issued following the LPDC’s decision of 29 July 2026, Gadzama disclosed that although he had been informed of the Committee’s findings, he was yet to receive the Certified True Copy of the direction. He said he had nevertheless instructed his legal team to file an immediate appeal against the decision.
According to the senior advocate, Section 11(8)(a) of the Legal Practitioners Act provides that where an appeal is filed within the time prescribed by law, the LPDC’s direction does not take effect pending the determination of the appeal by the Supreme Court.
“I wish to reassure my clients, colleagues, friends and the general public that, upon the filing of the appeal within the time prescribed by law, my right to practise as a legal practitioner remains unaffected pending the final determination of the appeal,” he stated.
Gadzama said he holds the institutions responsible for regulating the legal profession in high regard but respectfully disagrees with the Committee’s findings, maintaining that the decision is unsupported by both the evidence presented and the applicable law.
He explained that the complaint against him alleged that he improperly took over another lawyer’s brief, solicited clients and wrongfully appropriated professional fees. He, however, described those allegations as unfounded, insisting that he was retained directly by the judgment creditors through written letters of instruction and acted strictly within the scope of that professional engagement.
“In my respectful view, the documentary evidence before the Committee does not support the findings made against me,” he said.
The senior advocate further argued that the complaint fundamentally arose from a dispute over legal representation and professional fees, adding that the disciplinary process was not the appropriate forum for resolving such issues.
Expressing confidence in the judicial process, Gadzama said he believes the Supreme Court will carefully examine both the legal and factual issues raised by the case and arrive at a just determination.
He also thanked colleagues, clients, friends and members of the public for what he described as the overwhelming support, goodwill and prayers he had received since the LPDC’s decision.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to the legal profession, the administration of justice and the highest standards of professional integrity. I trust in the judicial process and remain confident that justice will ultimately prevail,” he added.
The LPDC had earlier directed the suspension of Gadzama from legal practice for three years over findings of professional misconduct arising from a petition connected with the settlement of the Zaki Biam compensation matter. The Committee also suspended another legal practitioner, Ocha Ulegede, for two years and directed that the relevant judicial authorities and the Inspector-General of Police be notified of its decision.
Gadzama’s appeal is expected to be determined by the Supreme Court in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.