DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

NBA Stamp, Seal Policy Remains Valid Despite Court Ruling, Association Insists

From The Punch · (4m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) clarified that a recent Federal High Court judgment did not invalidate its Stamp and Seal policy or CPD regulations.
  • The NBA stated that the Federal High Court's decision cannot override the Supreme Court's previous affirmation of the policy's legality.
  • The association reassured the public and legal practitioners that the Stamp and Seal policy remains operational and enforceable, aiming to regulate practice and prevent impersonation.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has firmly asserted the continued validity of its Stamp and Seal policy, addressing recent reports that suggested a Federal High Court ruling had invalidated the regime. In a decisive statement, the NBA clarified that the lower court's judgment does not supersede the Supreme Court's established position on the matter.

The attention of the Nigerian Bar Association has been drawn to reports circulating on social media suggesting that the recent judgment of the Federal High Court has invalidated the NBA Stamp and Seal regime established pursuant to Rules 11 and 12 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners.

— Nigerian Bar Association StatementClarifying the NBA's position on the recent court judgment.

According to the NBA, the Supreme Court has previously upheld the legality and enforceability of the Stamp and Seal requirement for legal practitioners. The association emphasized that decisions from the apex court are binding on all lower courts, including the Federal High Court. This legal precedent means that the recent judgment, even if not yet fully reviewed by the NBA, cannot overturn the Supreme Court's stance.

It is settled law that decisions of the Supreme Court are binding on all lower courts in Nigeria, including the Federal High Court.

— Nigerian Bar Association StatementEmphasizing the supremacy of Supreme Court rulings over lower court judgments.

The NBA's clarification serves to reassure lawyers, courts, and the public that the Stamp and Seal policy remains in full effect. Introduced to professionalize legal practice, prevent impersonation, and safeguard the public from unqualified individuals, the policy is deemed a vital instrument for maintaining professional standards within Nigeria's legal system.

It remains a vital instrument for maintaining professional s

— Nigerian Bar Association StatementExplaining the purpose and importance of the Stamp and Seal policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog