The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, joined other distinguished members of the Body of Benchers in a procession at the Call to Bar ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event, which marks the official admission of new lawyers into the Nigerian Bar, attracted eminent jurists, senior advocates, and legal figures from across the country.
Wike, a member of the Body of Benchers, marched with fellow members in the traditional procession that precedes the swearing-in of the fresh wigs.
A trained lawyer, Wike obtained his law degree from Rivers State University of Science and Technology before attending Law School in 1997.
His wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike of the Court of Appeal, was also present at the occasion.
The day carried personal significance as their eldest son, Jordan Nyesom-Wike, was among those inducted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
At 25, Jordan follows in his parents’ legal footsteps. A Second Class Upper Law graduate from the University of Exeter in 2022, he further obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) from Queen Mary University of London earlier this year, a feat his father proudly celebrated on social media in January.
What you should know
The Call to Bar ceremony, organised by the Body of Benchers, is one of the most significant events in Nigeria’s legal calendar.
The Nigerian Body of Benchers is the professional body responsible for admitting successful candidates from the Nigerian Law School Bar Final Examination into the legal profession. Members of the body are referred to as Benchers.
It also oversees the formal call of law graduates to the Nigerian Bar and regulates the legal profession in the country.
The current Chairman is Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who took over from Hon. Justice Mary Peter Odili in March 2024.
