The petition, reportedly submitted by a former First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), John Aikpokpo-Martins, is before the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). It alleges what the petitioner described as “fraudulent enrolment” on the Roll of Legal Practitioners maintained at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

At the centre of the complaint is an alleged overlap between Kalu’s NYSC service year and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus.

According to the petition, Kalu was mobilised for NYSC from March 9, 2010, to March 8, 2011, while also attending the Law School between April 23, 2010, and July 1, 2011. The petitioner argues that such dual participation would contravene Section 2(3) of the NYSC Act, which mandates continuous national service for one year.

The petition further references policies of the Law School and the Council of Legal Education prohibiting simultaneous NYSC service during academic training.

In an affidavit reportedly filed before the LPDC, it is alleged that Kalu enrolled at the Law School under the name Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu prior to a subsequent name change, and declared that he would not engage in employment or NYSC service during his course of study.

Documents cited in the petition include an NYSC Certificate of National Service allegedly issued on March 8, 2011. The petitioner contends that this raises questions regarding compliance with statutory service requirements and the Law School’s attendance threshold for Call to Bar qualification.

Kalu was called to the Nigerian Bar on September 6, 2011, and subsequently enrolled at the Supreme Court.

The petition invokes provisions of the NYSC Act and the Legal Practitioners Act, under which the LPDC is empowered to investigate and discipline legal practitioners found guilty of professional misconduct.

The petitioner has also reportedly written to the Director-General of the NYSC, requesting review of the certificate and further investigation where necessary.

As of press time, there has been no official response from Kalu. The NYSC and the LPDC have not publicly confirmed whether formal proceedings have commenced.

The development brings renewed attention to compliance with statutory obligations and professional standards among holders of high public office.