6/
07.03.2017
Lagos Set to Host African Arbitrators at 2nd ICC Regional Conference Jude Igbanoi The International Chamber of Commerce, Paris in conjunction with the International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria will hold the 2nd ICC Africa Regional Arbitration conference in Lagos, Nigeria from May 14-16, 2017. The 3-day conference will be held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Plot 1415, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria-Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The theme for the conference is "Arbitration: Catalyst for Economic Growth". It has been described as a "must attend" for Arbitration professionals who want to keep up to date on the latest developments and insights in international arbitration. In a joint press conference addressed by Chief Anthony Idigbe SAN, Mrs. Boma Ozobia and Mrs. Josephine Akinwunmi , they said "Africa is currently experiencing an upsurge in international arbitration. "With a line-up of top class speakers and topical discussions, the conference will provide an excellent opportunity to network and build skills. It promises to be a gathering of the world's most experienced and renowned Lawyers and
Arbitrators. "The target audience which will cut across different sectors of the economy are Arbitrators, Academics, Business Professionals, Corporate Counsel, Legal Directors, Legal Practitioners, Magistrates and Mediators." It is on record that the International Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1919, to serve world business by promoting trade and investment, open markets for goods and services, and the free flow of capital. The organisation's international secretariat was established in Paris and the ICC's International Court of Arbitration was created in 1923. ICC was awarded the highest level consultative status with the United Nations (UN) in 1946, and since then, has represented the private sector by engaging in a broad range of activities with the UN and its specialised agencies. To meet the needs of its members, ICC has expanded its activities over the years. ICC Commercial Crime Services, based in London, was founded in the 1980s, to address all aspects of commercial crime. The World Chambers Federation provides a hub for chambers of commerce throughout the world.
L-R: Mrs. Boma Ozobia, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN and Mrs. Josephine Akinwunmi
ICC has three main activities: rule setting, dispute resolution, and policy advocacy. Because its member companies and associations are themselves engaged in international business, ICC has unrivalled authority in making rules that govern the conduct of business across borders. Although these rules are voluntary,
POLICE DOCKS PROJECT MANAGER FOR ALLEGED N199M THEFT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Admoni, said that the offence of forgery contravenes Section 361 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Olafimihan is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, forgery and stealing. Count three reads: “That you, Olayinka Olafimihan ‘M’ and others now at large, on the
same date and place in the Lagos Magisterial District, did steal cash, building materials and equipment valued at N199,074,880.15, property of Twins Wild Passion and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 285(8) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.” However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the counts, and was granted bail in the sum
of N10 million with two sureties. According to the Magistrate, one of the sureties must be a land owner in Lagos, while the other must be a community leader. The sureties must also present evidence of tax payment, the Magistrate ruled. Mrs. Aje-Afunwa adjourned the case to April 5, 2017 for trial.
they are observed in countless thousands of transactions every day, and have become part of international trade. Currently, 13 ICC commissions comprising of experts from the private sector, cover specialised fields of immediate concern to international business. Subjects range from banking techniques to taxation, from competition law to intellectual property rights, telecommunications and information technology, from transport, environment and energy to international investment and trade policy. In furtherance of the ICC global initiatives, the ICC Africa Regional Conference generates conversations around the relationship between inward foreign investment in emerging markets in Africa, the types of disputes which may arise and the African experience in arbitration proceedings.
Legal Personality of the Week Don Ukaegbu
‘Hard Work and Passion will bring Money and Fame’ I am Don Ukaegbu, the principal counsel at Don Ukaegbu & Company. I am first of all a Human Rights lawyer whose aversion for injustice finds expression in all aspects of human endeavour. I am active in Civil and Criminal Litigation. I advice on all aspects of civil and criminal law in Nigeria and across multiple jurisdictions. My areas of practice interest range from Corporate and Commercial Law to Aviation, Banking, Human Rights and Medical Negligence Law amongst others. I work with a team of lawyers and forensic financial experts and fraud examiners who major in reconciliation, establishment and recovery of excess and illegal bank charges on loan/ overdraft facilities and I'm currently in court against several banks over many of such cases. I am always involved in public interest litigation, in a concerted effort at holding errant government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and their employees accountable and responsible for their acts and omissions in the discharge of their duties, especially as they affect the poor and the downtrodden in the society. An example is the on going court case at the High Court of Lagos State on medical negligence for baby Nicole, a child with cerebral palsy allegedly caused by the negligence of health workers in the employ of Lagos State Health Service Commission. I am fluent in English and Igbo languages; I speak Hausa and Yoruba ineloquently. Have you had any challenges in your career as a lawyer and if so what were the main challenges? I started out with the intention and passion to defend the oppressed and downtrodden Pro bono. For this, I needed to quickly develop my courtroom advocacy skills by working under senior and established lawyers, but I could not cope with the peanuts which I received as salary from law firms. I had to start out on my own—resulting in great hunger, as my poor clients
the Federal Government, which allegation is still under investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition. Who has been most influential in your life? Many people have been influential in my life. In the legal profession, the most influential persons in my life, are notable lawyers who climbed the ladder of success and prominence by a dint of hard work. Lawyers who did not hail from wealthy families, but are today major players in our profession, through hard work. Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, Chief Rowland Otaru, SAN and many more, are in this category. As for me, I was a hawker in Lagos; lived under the bridge at Oja Oba, Isale Eko; sent myself to school and determined to be one of the best lawyers in Nigeria. My resolve to so be was strengthened when Chief Roland Otaru, SAN personally told me his story. Don Ukaegbu
could not even afford to pay for my transport fare to courts and police stations, let alone feed me. But I was determined not to be fluffy or the type of lawyer Nigerians sardonically refer to as charge-and-bail. I had to look for law booksellers who sold books to me on credit. I had to also look for intelligent lawyers to work with without salaries. I got where I am today by sheer hard work and determination. What was your worst day as a lawyer? My worst day as a lawyer was the day I prepared very well for a case, but went to court with the wrong processes. I started moving a motion unrelated to the pending case. What was your most memorable experience? My most memorable experience was the day I appeared for a hearing before a Senate Committee to defend an allegation I made against
Why did you become a lawyer? I did not plan to be a lawyer. Sincerely, my desire to help the less privileged in an unequal competitive society where justice is costly, fuelled my passion for law. I left my first law firm because we did not go to court to prosecute and/or defend people. I could not 'Sidon look', watching errant uniformed men and privileged persons, maltreat the have-nots. It is only with law that a have-not (lawyer) can fight for another have-not (client). The court is even said to be the last hope of the common man. It was thrilling to me at the early stage, that I could file a case for someone and the court would call my case and hear me the same way it heard “big lawyers;” that I could go to the police station to make a case for someone and would be taken seriously, because I am a lawyer. What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law? My advice to anyone wanting a career in law
is to make sure he/she really wants to practice law. People who pursue a career in law only for financial gains, cannot be very good at it. Granted that money is needed, no one can be good at what he does not have a passion for (and that applies to any career). Lawyers are needed in law firms, media outlets, banks and various companies, but working without fervour stunts your growth. As for me, passion to use law to deliver the oppressed spurred me into action; stimulated my appetite for reading and research. My desire to win my cases made me buy books on credit. I became proficient in using a computer and the internet without attending a computer school, because I must help those who entrust me with their cases by any means permissible under the law. The joy of helping and solving people’s problem should be your driving force. It is noteworthy, however, that hard work and passion eventually puts good food on your table, and brings fame and prominence. Again, the joy of helping and solving people's problem should be your driving force. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mere men.” (Prov 22:29 KJV). If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen? If I had not become a lawyer, I would have become a preacher or a politician. It is all about helping people. Where do you see yourself in ten years? I see myself as a notable legal practitioner in Nigeria, handling landmark cases that would bring about positive change in our national life and experience. If a door opens in politics, I would also explore it, as a platform for helping a larger number of people. I personally believe that politicians today do not do as much for the people as they should, and would jump at any opportunity to serve the people better.