Diary of a Naija Lawyer

Diary of a Naija lawyer features a collection of remarkable experiences of Nigerian lawyers. Pull up a seat and enjoy this episode by Onome at the High Court.

My court experience with Onome

I was at the High Court the other day and whilst we were waiting for his Lordship to arrive, I noticed a fellow female learned colleague with her hair all over the place. Instantly I remembered what had happened to a female colleague earlier when she had her hair in cornrows popularly known as “shuku” in Yoruba. And because of the way the hair was wrapped, her hair couldn’t fit in the wig properly.

When she announced her appearance in court His lordship disregarded her and told her to get out of the courtroom before saying another word. The embarrassment on her face was so real that I vowed within myself not to violate the Judge’s rules as regards mode of appearance.

Anyways, knowing that he doesn’t condone improperly packed hair or outrageous hair colours. I tried to warn her beforehand but she was adamant about letting her braided hair loose under the wig. I left her to her fate and went on preparing for my case. Finally, his Lordship arrived and court proceedings began.

Guess what?

The senior counsel she came to court with announced his appearance. However, before the lady could stand to announce hers, his Lordship shunned her and asked her out of the court to appear before him properly before she could announce herself. He also went on to reprimand her senior for overlooking such an act. He then admonished the lawyers in court on the appropriate mode of dressing before the court. In addition, he urged them not to deviate from the standard and turn the courtroom into a circus. 

Watch out for the next episode…

If you would like to share your experience with us, simply click here

lawpavilion

Recent Posts

Industrial Court Nullifies Head of Service’s Guideline on Implementation of Teacher Retirement Age

Hon. Justice Olufunke Anuwe of the Abuja Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court has…

9 hours ago

Whether the Filing of a Caveat Against the Release of a Ship Already Under Arrest Constitutes an Arrest and Can Be a Basis for Claiming Damages

CASE TITLE: MT. ORYX TRADER & ANOR v. WRIST SHIPPING SUPPLY (2025) LPELR-80570(SC) JUDGMENT DATE:…

1 week ago

Whether the Mere Mention of a Person in Pleadings, Without a Direct Connection to The Cause of Action, is Sufficient Grounds for Joinder to Such Action

CASE TITLE:  ARIBISALA v. AMCON (2025) LPELR-80552(SC) JUDGMENT DATE: 24TH JANUARY, 2025 PRACTICE AREA: CIVIL PROCEDURE…

1 week ago

Whether The Court of Appeal has the Jurisdiction to Transfer a Case to the Appropriate Court When the Trial Court Lacked Jurisdiction AB Initio

CASE TITLE: USMAN v. NIGERIAN UNITY LINE PLC (2025) LPELR-80608(SC)JUDGMENT DATE: 14TH FEBRUARY, 2025PRACTICE AREA:…

1 week ago

Is Blasphemy a Legally Recognized Offence Under Nigerian Law?

CASE TITLE: DAUDA v. STATE (2024) LPELR-62160(CA) JUDGMENT DATE: 26TH APRIL, 2024 JUSTICES: MUHAMMED LAWAL…

1 week ago

Protecting Children Online: Can the New Bill Deliver?

By Dr. Henry C. Uzokwe The digital revolution has brought both remarkable opportunities and unprecedented…

1 week ago