By By Habeeb Ibrahim
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, has urged lawyers to exercise restraint and professionalism in their use of social media following a warning by the newly inaugurated NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, over abusive and offensive online conduct.
In a press statement signed by the Branch Chairman, Tansiru Ogunlaja Esq. on August 28, 2026, the branch said professional responsibility extends beyond the courtroom, office and chambers to lawyers’ conduct in the digital space.
Badejo-Okusanya issued the warning in her inaugural address at the 66th NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, where she cautioned lawyers against using abusive language or attacking colleagues on social media. She said lawyers whose online conduct brings the profession into disrepute would face disciplinary proceedings.
In response, the Epe Branch advised members to exercise caution on platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
The branch urged lawyers to avoid abusive, insulting or defamatory publications, personal attacks disguised as professional criticism, reckless allegations, disclosure of confidential client information and unnecessary online confrontations.
It also encouraged members who have disagreements with colleagues or institutions to use appropriate professional, disciplinary and legal channels rather than engaging in abusive exchanges online.
The branch said lawyers should consider the professional, ethical and legal implications of their publications before posting, adding that their conduct, both online and offline, should reflect the dignity of the legal profession.
The statement did not identify any lawyer as having been sanctioned following the NBA President’s warning.
