The Case Of The Twice Resurrected Squib Case By Adesina Ogunlana

Vol.13, No. 7   11-02-13

On February 27^th 2013, the publisher and editor of the squib magazine Nigeria’s most enduring and whistle blowing legal journal would be off to Abuja. He would not be inAbuja, for a picnic, party or anything somnolent and blissful. Neither would he be there for a romantic excursion or any sort of pleasure trip.

Adesina Ogunlana, a.k.a The First Gecko, a.k.a the Squib Imperator, and a.k.a “Omo were yen”a.k.a“Serubawon”a.k.a“Otun AjagaJigi” would be in Abuja for the continuation of the fight for his legal professional life.

He would be in Abuja standing trial as the Defendant in suit no BB/DCNB/004 NBA Vs Adesina Ogunlana. The suit commenced October 2003, roughly some ten years ago.

Old Squibbers know that the pith of the allegation against the First Gecko was not because he acted the felon or a rapscallion in the discharge of his professional duties, it was because of his tomfoolery in thinking that it was okay and proper to beam strong and critical search-light on the judiciary and her key operators.

The prosecutors are alleging that the much hated but even much more loved publisher had DEFAMED judges of the Lagos State High Court in his 2001 – 2003 write-ups.

The case was first called in October 2003 and nothing was heard again about it for the next few years. Then in May 2007 the case came up suddenly. That was the first “Resurrection”.

Between 2007 and 2010, there were a lot of motion but no movement in the case, as it came up about six times with the Defendant always present and the prosecution witnesses not available. Then in 2010, the Lagos State Judiciary and the NBA decided to end the war of attrition with the Squib. Consequently the then NBA president Rotimi Akeredolu S.A.N wrote to the Body of Benchers Disciplinary Committee (backing his letter with letters from the Lagos State Judiciary and the hon. Justice Ibitola Sotiminu) asking for the dropping of charges against the Squib Publisher.

Consequently nothing was heard of the matter again, until suddenly in January 2013, courtesy of a publication in the Punch announcing that the matter comes up again in Abuja on 27^th February 2013. That was the Second Resurrection.

So how will the case end? And will it ever end? My answer to your questions dear friends and foes is; it will end well. THE HEAVENS WILL NOT FALL!

 

He would be in Abuja standing trial as the Defendant in suit no BB/DCNB/004 NBA Vs Adesina Ogunlana. The suit commenced October 2003, roughly some ten years ago.