In Benin City, Edo State, a man identified as Chief Osemwingie Ero has taken a bold step to seek justice by filing a petition against a lawyer, Mr. A. U. Okhiria, Esq., accusing him of professional misconduct.
The matter, which has now reached the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), shines light on how ordinary citizens are standing up against alleged unethical behavior within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Chief Ero, a resident of Benin City, submitted a formal petition titled “Petition Against A.U. Okhiria, Esq.” to the Director of Administration, Body of Benchers, detailing what he described as improper conduct by the lawyer.
Although the specific details of the alleged misconduct were not disclosed in the originating documents, Chief Ero’s petition requested the committee to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Legal Practitioners Act of 2004 within 20 days.
According to the originating application filed by the petitioner, the case is being brought under Rule 2(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act Cap L11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which empowers the LPDC to hear and determine allegations of professional misconduct against lawyers.
Chief Ero, acting as the complainant, formally requested that Mr. Okhiria be made to appear before the Committee to answer for his alleged acts, the petition against the accused made available to _Standard Daily Press_ stated.
In the documents submitted, Chief Ero provided his contact details and addressed the petition through the Body of Benchers—the statutory body responsible for overseeing the conduct and discipline of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
He also signed the statutory declaration affirming that his claims were true to the best of his knowledge and belief, a crucial legal step in ensuring the authenticity of any disciplinary petition.
The LPDC, based at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja, is now expected to review the complaint and determine whether there is a prima facie case against Mr. Okhiria.
If the committee finds sufficient grounds, the matter could proceed to a full disciplinary hearing where sanctions—ranging from suspension to outright disbarment—may be considered.
The petition underscores a growing wave of accountability within Nigeria’s legal sector, as citizens increasingly demand transparency and ethical responsibility from practitioners who are meant to uphold justice.
Chief Ero’s action sends a clear message: even those trained in the law are not above it.
