My attention has been drawn to a mischievous, ill-conceived, and defamatory publication authored by one Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja titled: “Open Letter to BOSAN: BOSAN Should Avoid the Appearance of Selective Justice - Is Ozekhome the Only Erring SAN that Has Caused National or International Embarrassment to Nigeria? What About the International Embarrassment Caused to Nigeria by the Duo of Malami and Monday Ubani?” dated 7 October 2025.
Ordinarily, such pedestrian gibberish ought to be ignored. However, for the sake of unsuspecting readers who may be misled by his reckless falsehoods, it is necessary to set the record straight.
The so-called “open letter” is replete with lies, innuendos, and malicious distortions.
At no time have I ever been cited for contempt by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako or by any court in Nigeria. The allegation that I was sanctioned, queried, or reprimanded in connection with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s matter is an outright fabrication, without a single judicial record to support it.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Certified True Copy of the judgment is publicly available, both online and offline, and it contains no such finding or reference. My public statements on that and every other legal issue have always been consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct and the highest standards of decorum expected of members of the Inner Bar.
The self-styled Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja is unknown to the hierarchy of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), or any recognised platform of the legal profession.
His self-appointed title as “leader of 1,000 legislative lawyers” is a pure invention of fantasy. His history of reckless publications, unfounded allegations, and pseudo-intellectual rants is well known to many in the legal community. He has no moral, academic, or professional standing to question the conduct of honourable members of the Inner Bar.
The claim that I ever “engaged or promoted one Dr. Sandra Duru (a.k.a. Prof. Mgbeke)” as a “principal witness” is another baseless fabrication.
I have never presented any such individual in any court or matter. All official legal engagements of the Senate are conducted strictly through lawful institutional channels and properly documented procedures. Every step taken in that regard has been transparent, accountable, and professionally guided.
It is apparent that Dr. Jaja’s intention was never to “protect the image of BOSAN” but rather to malign Senior Advocates whose reputations intimidate his mediocrity. His reliance on gossip-based online blogs without verification of facts exposes the desperation behind his reckless smear attempt.
In view of these malicious and defamatory imputations, my legal team has been instructed to:
1. Petition the Inspector-General of Police to investigate Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja for cyberstalking and criminal defamation contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015; and
2. Commence a civil action for libel and injurious falsehood to seek appropriate damages and injunctive relief.
For over three decades at the Bar, my record remains untainted. I have served this profession and our nation honourably:
Former 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association;
Past Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch;
Past Chairman, SPIDEL (Section on Public Interest and Development Law);
Current Chairman, NBA Committee on Electoral Reform; and
Special Adviser (Legal & Constitutional Matters) to the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I have never faced any disciplinary issue before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee or BOSAN. My professional integrity and service record speak for themselves.
BOSAN and the general public should discountenance the rantings of a self-styled “Secretary” of a non-existent association whose credibility deficit is as wide as his ignorance of the law.
His publication is the product of malice, envy, and intellectual bankruptcy. It should be treated as such.
My commitment to the Rule of Law, Professional Ethics, and the Dignity of the Legal Profession remains steadfast and unshakeable.
M. Onyekachi Ubani, SAN
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