The Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has hinted of plans to probe the September 11 United Kingdom judgment involving Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome and the late Gen. Jerry Useni over a disputed London property.

The Tribunal judgment was given by Judge Ewan Paton.

The late Gen Useni was the true owner of the disputed property located at 79, Randall Avenue, LondonNW2, purchased in 1993, according to the Tribunal. He got the property under false identity-Tali Shani.

Ozekhome’a application to register the property was ordered to be cancelled by the Tribunal. It ruled that Tali Shani couldn’t pass ownership because the name was used as a conduit for the late General’s fraudulent acquisition.

Fagbemi spoke yesterday at a special court session to mark the beginning of the Supreme Court’s 2025/2026 Legal Year and the inauguration of 57 senior advocates of Nigeria(SANs).

Fagbemi expressed concern about the rising number of complaints of professional misconduct against senior lawyers.

He noted that his office receives such complaints frequently.

Fagbemi said: “My office has, in recent times, taken note of the increasing number of complaints against senior members of the bar.

“Thankfully, these are few and far between, but they still constitute such numbers as to be troubling.

“The complaints border on professional misconduct and, if not addressed urgently, are capable of bringing this prestigious rank into disrepute locally and, as we have seen recently, internationally.

“We need to reverse the perception that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria confers immunity from disciplinary measures for professional misconduct.

“We simply cannot have a Bar where one law applies to juniors and another to seniors.

My Lords, of note is the topical and trending matter that recently struck at the standing of our profession in Nigeria in the eyes of the world and in a way that stands out in recent memory.

“It bears sadly on the high esteem and integrity that our noble profession commands as a sine qua non for our collective commitment and investment in the legal brand.

“I am referring to the recent decision (11th September 2025) of an English property tribunal, by Judge Ewan Paton.

“It will be remiss of me not to bring such an egregious development to the attention of my lords, in the hope that it is addressed frontally against the backdrop of the hallowed rules that guard and define the finest traditions by which our nobility should be measured.

“It is for this reason that my office has now taken the unusual step of verifying the authenticity of this and often complaints with a view to referring them to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.

“I look forward to receiving the cooperation of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Body of Senior Advocates in this regard,” Fagbemi said.

The AGF, who challenged the Judiciary to be transparent in its operations, said “it is quite concerning to see the adverse ratings and negative perception indexes of our Judiciary.”

He went on: “Public confidence in the judiciary has been shaken by perceptions of undue influence, inconsistent rulings, and delays that frustrate justice.

“Allegations of corruption, though often unproven, cast long shadows.

“While I agree that the judiciary should be accountable less to public opinion and more to public interest, may I respectfully insist that in this climate, the judiciary should discharge that accountability by being principled, independent and impartial.

“It must not only deliver justice, it must do so transparently, consistently, and with intellectual rigour.

“It is therefore the responsibility of everyone present here and beyond to ensure that, like Caesar’s wife, the judiciary is above reproach and suspicion,” Fagbemi said.

Also yesterday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun expressed concern over the inadequate funding of states’ Judiciaries by the governors.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the unfortunate development hampers the capacity of courts in states to effectively function.

She said: “The judiciary, especially at the sub-national level, is often underfunded, which impacts its ability to function effectively.

“Inadequate funding leads to poor infrastructure, insufficient resources, and inadequate training for judicial staff members and support staff.

“This, in turn, affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process. I need to state unequivocally that the challenges facing the Judiciary are not the responsibilities of the judiciary alone.

“They require a collaborative effort involving all the three arms of government – the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary – as well as the active participation of the citizens.

“I therefore, call upon the executive arm of government, especially in the states to provide adequate funding for the judiciary, improve judicial

Infrastructure, and support the implementation of technological advancements.

“I urge the legislature to enact laws that support the independence of the Judiciary, strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, and streamline court processes,” she said. (The Nation)