SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL
Sunday, July 12, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Human rights lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has expressed concern over what he described as an emerging culture of lawyers deliberately misrepresenting court proceedings and misleading clients into celebrating victories that do not exist.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ejiofor warned that the trend poses a serious threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s legal profession and the administration of justice.
According to him, some legal practitioners now exaggerate, selectively report or completely distort court proceedings in a bid to impress clients, shape public opinion and create a false impression of legal success.
Ejiofor noted that such practices represent a departure from the professional discipline that once defined the legal profession, stressing that lawyers have a responsibility to accurately brief clients on the outcome of every court appearance.
Reflecting on his early years in practice, the human rights lawyer said young lawyers were taught to provide faithful and objective accounts of proceedings without embellishment or distortion.
He lamented that this culture has gradually faded, with some lawyers allegedly prioritising popularity and client approval over truth and professional ethics.
Citing examples, Ejiofor recalled a case in which a senior lawyer reportedly informed clients that they had secured victory, despite the court merely declining jurisdiction and referring the matter back to another court.
According to him, the clients went on to organise elaborate celebrations, unaware that no judgment had actually been delivered in their favour.
He also recounted another incident before the High Court in Enugu State, where a lawyer allegedly assured clients that judgment would be delivered in their favour, only for the court to rule against them.
Ejiofor further suggested that the increasing distortion of judicial proceedings may have contributed to the decision of a Federal High Court judge in Abuja to livestream the delivery of judgment in a high-profile case to ensure transparency.
The senior lawyer emphasised that while lawyers owe loyalty to their clients, their ultimate duty remains to the court and the administration of justice.
He urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to strengthen ethical standards within the profession and ensure that lawyers who deliberately misrepresent court proceedings face appropriate disciplinary measures.
Addressing newly enrolled lawyers, Ejiofor advised them to place integrity above temporary applause or personal gain, stressing that credibility remains the most valuable asset in legal practice.
He maintained that court proceedings are solemn judicial acts that must be reported truthfully and responsibly if public confidence in the justice system is to be preserved.
Follow SUNTV Global Channel for breaking news, politics, business, sports and entertainment updates.
