MONROVIA – The Supreme Court of Liberia, through Chambers Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has reaffirmed that former Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) Chairperson Cllr. A. Ndubuisi Nwabudike remains barred from practicing law in Liberia until he fulfills specific requirements set by the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA).
This decision arose from a petition tied to a criminal indictment by the petitioner against multiple respondents at the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes ‘C.’ The respondents faced charges including economic sabotage, misuse of public funds, theft, illegal disbursement of public money, and criminal conspiracy. They pleaded not guilty, contesting the state’s case.
Justice Gbeisay sustained the petitioner’s motion to strike Nwabudike from the case, emphasizing that he is not a licensed lawyer. In his ruling, Gbeisay stated, “A counsellor-at-law should be well-versed in the practices and procedures of our jurisdiction and must know how to navigate its legal intricacies.”
The Justice clarified that the law prohibits any individual from practicing law without a valid license issued by the LNBA. He cited longstanding precedents, including Kanna v. Smith et al. (1975) and M.I.M. Timber Co. v. Bayeh (1971), which outline the necessity of compliance with licensing requirements.
The Controversy over Nwabudike’s License
Cllr. Nwabudike, in his defense, referenced an October 2023 Supreme Court ruling reinstating his right to practice law. According to that ruling, the Supreme Court lifted his suspension and granted him the right to obtain a license, provided he fulfilled the LNBA’s requirements. Nwabudike argued that he had made multiple attempts to obtain his license, including written appeals to the LNBA, but was allegedly ignored.
Despite presenting evidence of his efforts, Justice Gbeisay found Nwabudike’s claims insufficient. The Justice stressed that reinstatement by the Supreme Court does not override mandatory requirements for practicing law in Liberia, which include paying bar dues and obtaining an annual license from the LNBA.
Justice Gbeisay likened the situation to a suspended driver’s license, noting that lifting the suspension does not eliminate the need to apply for a new license.
Improper Payment Procedure
Justice Gbeisay also criticized Nwabudike’s decision to pay his license fees directly to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) without clearing his dues with the LNBA. “This action does not qualify him as a licensed lawyer because the law requires good standing with the Bar,” Gbeisay remarked.
The Justice highlighted procedural remedies for addressing disputes involving Supreme Court judgments, such as filing a bill of information. He noted that Nwabudike failed to follow this process and instead acted unilaterally.
Justice Gbeisay concluded that while the Supreme Court had reinstated Nwabudike’s right to pursue his professional career, it was incumbent upon him to meet the necessary licensing requirements. Failure to do so renders him ineligible to practice law in Liberia.
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