By Boluwatife Kehinde-Idowu The Society of Public Interest Lawyers in Nigeria (SPI-LAW) has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, for alleged “professional misconduct and infamous conduct”. According to TheCable, the SPI-LAW announced that it has filed……
The Society of Public Interest Lawyers in Nigeria (SPI-LAW) has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, for alleged “professional misconduct and infamous conduct”.
According to TheCable, the SPI-LAW announced that it has filed the petition through a statement signed by its director of media and publicity, Sadiya Saleh.
The petition, registered as Case No. BBLPDC/2196/2026, relates to allegations arising from the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project dispute.
TVC News Online reports that on September 17, Nigeria won an arbitration case brought against it by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited over disputes linked to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal sitting in Paris criticised Malami over his handling of the dispute.
Affidavits attached to the petition were deposed by the president of SPI-LAW, John Aikpokpo-Martins, and vice-president, Olukunle Edun.
The lawyers’ group said the allegations against Malami by the international tribunal have “severely threatened” public confidence in the legal profession.
The group said if the LPDC fails to invite Malami to answer questions about the allegations, it would be sending a “catastrophic message” that high office confers immunity from the ethical standards of the profession.
“The office of Attorney-General of the Federation is the highest legal office in the land. Its occupant must embody absolute integrity, loyalty to the Federation, and fidelity to the rule of law,” the statement reads.
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“When an international tribunal makes such grave findings against a former occupant of that office, public confidence in the legal profession in Nigeria, both locally and internationally, is severely threatened.
“SPI-LAW brings this Petition in the public interest pursuant to Rule 4 of the LPDC Rules, 2020. We believe that no one, no matter how highly placed, is above professional accountability. Failure to call the Respondent to answer would send a catastrophic message that high office confers immunity from the ethics of the Bar.
“We urge the LPDC, as the statutory guardian of the honour and integrity of the profession, to certify that there is a case to answer and to invite Mr Malami, SAN, to defend the allegations. We emphasise that these are allegations for disciplinary inquiry based on the Tribunal’s findings; the LPDC will afford the Respondent full fair hearing as required by law.”
ICC said Malami maintained an “inappropriate relationship” with Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise, and participated in what it described as a “corrupt deal” connected with the settlement agreements at the centre of the arbitration.
The tribunal said Malami was effectively negotiating for Sunrise rather than the federal government when he altered the terms of a proposed $200 million settlement in a way that potentially doubled Nigeria’s exposure to $400 million, with interest accruing at 10 per cent per annum compounded daily.
It also accused the former AGF of supplying President Muhammadu Buhari with incorrect information about the financial implications of the settlement and repeatedly seeking presidential approval even after Buhari had expressly refused to approve it.
Reacting to the ICC final award, Malami said he acted in Nigeria’s interest during the dispute between Sunrise Power and the FG as it pertains to the Mambilla hydropower project.
What You Should Know
In simple terms, this report regarding Lawyers Petition LPDC Against Malami Over Handling of Mambilla Power Project highlights key developments that may impact citizens and stakeholders. On the positive side, constructive action and policy clarity can bring convenience, accountability, and opportunities for the public. On the other hand, any implementation delays, added costs, or operational disruptions could pose challenges for everyday people and affected sectors.
