Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Ubani, has strongly condemned what he termed a “malicious and defamatory” publication authored by one Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, describing it as a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and mislead the public.
The controversial piece, titled “Open Letter to BOSAN: BOSAN Should Avoid the Appearance of Selective Justice – Is Ozekhome the Only Erring SAN that Has Caused National or International Embarrassment to Nigeria? What About the International Embarrassment Caused to Nigeria by the Duo of Malami and Monday Ubani?”, was dated October 7, 2025. The article has since stirred widespread reactions across legal circles.
In a detailed statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ubani dismissed the publication as “a mischievous, ill-conceived, and defamatory attack” riddled with “lies, innuendos, and malicious distortions.”
According to him, the author falsely alleged that he was cited for contempt by Justice Binta Nyako in a case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“At no time have I ever been cited for contempt by Justice Nyako or by any court in Nigeria. The allegation that I was sanctioned or reprimanded in relation to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s matter is a complete fabrication, unsupported by any judicial record,” Ubani stated.
He further clarified that the certified true copy of the judgment in question is publicly available and contains no such finding.
Ubani emphasized that his public conduct has always aligned with the Rules of Professional Conduct for legal practitioners and the ethical standards expected of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
He also refuted claims linking him to one Dr. Sandra Duru, also known as “Prof. Mgbeke,” whom the publication accused him of promoting as a principal witness in a legal matter. He described the allegation as “another baseless fabrication.”
“The Senate’s legal matters are handled through due institutional processes with full documentation, transparency, and accountability,” he explained.
Questioning the credibility of Dr. Jaja, Ubani described him as “unknown to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), or any recognised legal platform,” accusing him of relying on gossip-based blogs and engaging in smear campaigns against respected members of the legal profession.
In response to the publication, Ubani disclosed that he has instructed his legal team to petition the Inspector-General of Police, calling for an investigation of Dr. Jaja for alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
He also announced plans to file a civil suit for libel and injurious falsehood, seeking damages and an injunction to restrain further defamatory actions.
Highlighting his unblemished career, Ubani reaffirmed that in over three decades at the Bar, he has never faced any disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee or BOSAN.
“My record of professional integrity and service speaks for itself,” he said.
Ubani listed his distinguished roles, including former 2nd Vice President of the NBA, past Chairman of the Ikeja Branch, past Chairman of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), and current Chairman of the NBA Committee on Electoral Reform. He also serves as the Special Adviser on Legal and Constitutional Matters to the President of the Senate.
Urging the public to disregard the defamatory publication, Ubani described it as a product of “malice, envy, and intellectual bankruptcy.”
He concluded by reaffirming his “unshakeable commitment” to the rule of law, professional ethics, and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession.
