Olusegun Ariyo
The five-year ban imposed on the Attorney General of Imo State, C. O. C. Akaolisa, by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, has been lifted.
The ban was overturned by the Supreme Court of Nigeria following a series of suits against the committee.
It will be recalled that in July 2021, a six-member LPDC panel banned Akaolisa from legal practice for five years over his conduct. He was accused of using his position as the Attorney General of Imo State to secure the release of a suspected murderer who was standing trial.
However, in a unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court found the decision of the committee’s panel to be flawed. The apex court further set aside the committee’s ruling.
Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, who led the five-member panel of the Supreme Court, stated: “Having considered the arguments presented by counsel, the court found the appeal of the appellant meritorious, and it is hereby allowed.
“The decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) delivered on the 9th of July 2021, finding the appellant liable for infamous conduct and suspending him from legal practice for five years, is hereby set aside.”
