By Veronica Ilupeju JP
Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are the elite of the Nigerian legal profession, revered for their expertise and influence, much like Queen’s Counsel (QC) in the UK. While many SANs uphold the integrity of the legal system, there are growing concerns that some may, intentionally or otherwise, obstruct the course of justice.
The ongoing Edmark Civil Suit is a case in point, shedding light on the darker side of legal practice in Nigeria. The case revolves around Maurice Etim, a minority shareholder and director in Edmark Group companies, who is locked in a legal dispute with Sam Low Ban Chai, a Chinese businessman and the founder of Edmark Industries. Etim accuses Low of serious allegations, including forgery and corporate fraud. In this complex case, Ebun Adegboruwa SAN, representing Low, has found himself at the center of controversy after allegedly mobilizing police officers to enforce an expired court order, a move that raises serious questions about judicial ethics.
On November 8, 2024, despite active legal proceedings in the Lagos High Court, Adegboruwa’s alleged actions led to an unsanctioned raid on the offices of Edmark City Development Company Ltd by officers from Area F Police Command and Zone 2, Lagos. The police stormed the premises without a bailiff and without confirming the order’s validity with the court. The original court order, granted on August 8, 2024, was meant to secure compliance with pre-action protocols, but it had long expired by the time the enforcement took place.
The police intervention not only disrupted the company’s operations but blatantly violated established judicial procedures, bypassing the Sheriff and Civil Process Act by neglecting the required involvement of court bailiffs. This unorthodox action has been described by legal experts as a form of vigilante enforcement, suggesting an abuse of state power orchestrated by the very legal professionals charged with ensuring fairness.
Adegboruwa, once admired for his advocacy for human rights and the rule of law, has faced backlash from his peers and the public. Many have expressed disappointment, citing his actions as a sharp departure from the principles he once stood for. The mobilization of police in this manner is seen as a direct attack on the integrity of the judicial process and undermines public confidence in the legal system.
Calls for accountability have gained momentum, with observers urging the Police Service Commission to investigate the officers involved and questioning whether Adegboruwa’s actions signal a shift from principled activism to a more cynical use of state power.
The case, which began with allegations that Low engaged in fraudulent actions to undermine Etim’s interests, has taken a darker turn with the involvement of international legal matters. Low is currently wanted by Interpol for money laundering and terrorism-related charges, and is believed to be hiding in Malaysia, continuing to exploit legal loopholes through his lawyers. This adds another layer of complexity to a case already marked by judicial disregard and unethical practices.
–Veronica is a Justice of Peace and writes from Ejidgbo in Lagos
