The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, over alleged discriminatory and prejudicial conduct.
The association accused the Chief Judge of actions that allegedly affected its efforts to establish the Blue Silks rank for non-litigation lawyers. According to Daily Post, ALDRAP filed separate petitions before the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The lawyers urged both bodies to investigate the allegations and determine whether Justice Tsoho breached relevant rules. The dispute centres on the Blue Silks rank, also known as Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN).
ALDRAP introduced the rank as an alternative professional distinction for lawyers who do not practise litigation. The association has argued that the existing Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank largely favours lawyers engaged in litigation.
In its petition to the NJC, ALDRAP questioned Justice Tsoho’s involvement in matters connected to the Blue Silks dispute. The petition was dated August 18, 2026, and focused on the Chief Judge’s alleged conduct during proceedings involving ALDRAP and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC).
The association alleged that Justice Tsoho participated in an investigation concerning three SANs linked to ALDRAP. The lawyers were reportedly appointed as patrons and matrons of the association.
ALDRAP claimed the investigation had already treated the Blue Silks rank as illegal before the court determined the matter. The association also questioned comments attributed to the Chief Judge before judgment was delivered in the lawsuit.
According to ALDRAP, a report published on May 11, 2026, could have affected the outcome of the case. The group alleged that the report may have influenced Justice James Omotosho, who delivered judgment against ALDRAP two days later.
The association also asked the NJC to examine why the case was reassigned. ALDRAP said the lawsuit was initially assigned to Justice Mohammed Garba Umar in November 2025.
The case was later reassigned to Justice Omotosho in March 2026, according to the petition. The lawyers noted that Justice Omotosho had already been confirmed for elevation to the Court of Appeal at the time.
ALDRAP questioned the reason for the reassignment and asked the NJC to investigate the circumstances surrounding it. The association also raised questions about Justice Umar’s previous ruling against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
ALDRAP alleged that the earlier judgment had gone against the NBA and what it called the establishment within the legal profession. The lawyers said they were prepared to provide additional evidence to support their claims.
In a separate petition, ALDRAP approached the CCB over an alleged conflict of interest involving Justice Tsoho. The association focused on his role as chairman of an LPPC Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee panel in May 2026.
The panel was reportedly constituted to investigate the three SANs appointed as patrons and matrons of ALDRAP. ALDRAP argued that Justice Tsoho should have recused himself from the panel.
The association said the Chief Judge was already aware of the pending Blue Silks lawsuit before joining the investigation. It also pointed to his previous role in assigning and reassigning the case within the Federal High Court.
According to ALDRAP, the panel should have waited until the court delivered its judgment. The association described the alleged conduct as a possible abuse of power under the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
It therefore urged the CCB to investigate the matter and take appropriate action if wrongdoing is established. ALDRAP stressed that its complaints before the NJC and CCB are separate.
The association said the NJC petition concerns alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officials. Meanwhile, its CCB petition focuses on alleged violations of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
ALDRAP said proper investigations by the relevant authorities would promote accountability within Nigeria’s legal system.
Elom Fortunate Chiemerie is junior staff at modern crux that covers news on international politics, sports news and entertainment News
