The Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Committee (NBA-NEC) has called for the removal of an Ekiti State Magistrate and declared a boycott of the court following the issuance of a controversial court order authorizing the arrest of lawyers.

The order, signed by Magistrate Oluwadare T.O. Esq. on January 23, 2025, directed the arrest of individuals, including legal practitioners, attempting to lift a Post-No-Debit (PND) restriction without police approval. The NBA-NEC has described the ruling as an abuse of judicial powers and a threat to the legal profession.

In response, the NBA-NEC unanimously resolved to petition the Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, demanding a full investigation and removal of the magistrate responsible for the order. Additionally, the association directed lawyers to boycott the magistrate’s court until the investigation is concluded.

As part of broader efforts to address judicial misconduct, the NBA-NEC will also formally write to the Chief Judges of Ekiti, Nasarawa, and Kogi States, raising concerns over the manner in which court orders are being granted by magistrates.

Furthermore, the association resolved to take action against lawyers who procure such controversial court orders, warning that any legal practitioner found complicit in these practices will face disciplinary measures.

This unprecedented move has sparked widespread debate within the legal community, with many calling for judicial accountability and reforms to prevent the abuse of ex parte orders in Nigeria’s lower courts.