Ruling party clears Deputy Speaker Kalu of misconduct accusations

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee has rejected allegations that Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, took part in the National Youth Service Corps while attending the Nigerian Law School, as no prima facie case was established.

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A petition submitted by lawyer John Aikpokpo Martins had prompted the investigation into Kalu's participation in NYSC and attendance at the Law School, but the committee ultimately ruled that the complaint was without merit.

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A report certified on March 11, 2026, with Reference BB/LPDC/1954/2026, was issued by LPDC Registrar Zibai Katung and signed by Petition Panel Chairman Umeh Kalu, concluding that the complaint fell outside the committee's jurisdiction.

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The report, titled "Facts and Summary of Complaint," noted that the LPDC's regulatory authority extends only to the professional conduct of lawyers after they have been called to the Nigerian Bar.

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As the alleged incidents involving Kalu occurred prior to his being called to the Bar, the matter was deemed to be beyond the committee's mandate.

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The LPDC also clarified that it lacks authority over the operations of the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, the NYSC, and the Body of Benchers.

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The report stated that the applicant, John Aikpokpo Martins, failed to provide prima facie evidence to warrant Kalu's response to the complaint.

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Ultimately, the panel concluded that the complaint was outside the LPDC's jurisdiction and dismissed the petition, effectively clearing Deputy Speaker Kalu of the allegations.