Nigeria
New SAN denies involvement in money spraying at reception
Chikaosolu Ojukwu, the recently sworn-in Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has distanced himself from the money-spraying incident that occurred during a reception held in his honour on Monday.
According to a statement released on Friday and signed by Ojukwu, he gave both written and verbal instructions opposing the act prior to the event starting.
The eminent jurist, taken aback by a social media video of the event that showed some individuals dousing each other in cash during the festivities, declared he would never approve of any action that would diminish the dignity of the much-loved profession.
“I was formally conferred with the esteemed Rank at a Swearing-in Ceremony held at the Supreme Court of Nigeria Complex on November 27, 2023,” the statement reads. “Following this, family, friends, and other well-wishers organised a reception where dignitaries, members of my extended family, colleagues, and other people from all walks of life attended.”
“My attention has been drawn to video recordings of the Reception event that have been making the rounds on social media. These recordings purport to show certain individuals participating in the uninvited money spraying during the celebrations, despite my previous explicit written and verbal instructions prohibiting such acts or publicity.
“Unfortunately, given the occasion and the large number of attendees—both known and unknown—I was unable to influence what these individuals did or did not do during the festivities. As a practising attorney, these behaviours are abhorrent and do not align with my principles and beliefs.
“The event continued for eight hours, and during that time, I repeatedly walked off stage in protest of people trying to spray money. The films that are currently being displayed to me online were taken at a Christian praise and worship session, and the money that was sprayed was for the band, which I found objectionable. I don’t use or own any social media accounts, including Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
“I have instructed those who have such videos to take them down and give this press release the same prominence. I did not leave the event with any Naira or Dollar sprayed on me by anyone.” I feel very humiliated.
For the avoidance of doubt, I would never, under any circumstances, permit or condone any body to act in a way that is detrimental to the honour of our profession or in violation of the Inner Bar’s rules of conduct.