Chief Justice Petitioned to Suspend FCT Minister Wike from Body of Benchers Over “Dishonourable Conduct” with Naval Officer

An Abuja-based law firm, BOB James & Co., has formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging the suspension of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the prestigious Body of Benchers. The petition cites an incident described as “dishonourable public conduct” that is unbecoming of Wike’s status as a senior legal practitioner.

The petition, dated November 17, 2025, and signed by Barrister Bob James, was submitted to the CJN’s office and calls for an immediate investigation into the conduct of Minister Wike in a video that surfaced following a November 11 confrontation in Abuja. In the footage, Wike is seen verbally exchanging with a young naval officer, Lt. Yerima, during which the minister repeatedly insults the officer, calling him a “fool” in a public setting.

Barrister James stressed that such behavior is a serious deviation from the ethical standards expected of members of the Body of Benchers, an elite legal institution responsible for the call to bar of lawyers and the upholding of the profession’s integrity. He noted that the catalogue of expected conduct bars members from public vulgarity or aggression and that Wike’s actions bear a resemblance to disorderly conduct rather than professional decorum.

The petition underscores provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, which mandates good character as a precondition for admission to the bar and retention in the Body of Benchers. It warns that allowing Wike to participate in forthcoming call to bar ceremonies without sanction could erode confidence in the institution, leading newly called lawyers to question its moral authority.

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Drawing on legal precedents, including a 2007 Court of Appeal ruling (Ayorinde v. Kuforiji), and guidance from the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England, the petition highlights that lawyers are held accountable for their public and private words. James insists that the investigation is essential to preserving the dignity of the legal profession and calls for Wike’s suspension pending the inquiry’s outcome.

The petition adds to growing public controversy following the altercation between Wike and the naval officer, which has attracted criticism from military veterans, civil society groups, and legal professionals alike, all calling for appropriate disciplinary action.