Confusion in Port Harcourt Court as ‘Dead Lawyer’ Allegedly Appears to Defend Client
Port Harcourt — Confusion erupted at a Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, after the court discovered that a lawyer who reportedly died in December 2025 had allegedly appeared before it to conduct a case in February.
The incident came to light when the matter was called up for hearing and the lawyer was absent. Upon inquiry by the court, the litigant informed the court that his counsel had died in December last year.
The court, presided over by Senior Magistrate, Kingsley Briggs, was said to have been visibly surprised by the revelation and immediately searched through the court’s record book. The records reportedly showed that the same lawyer had appeared before the court on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and conducted proceedings in the matter.
Narrating what transpired during the previous sitting, the Senior Magistrate told the litigant that the court had intended to issue a bench warrant against him for failing to appear. However, the lawyer had intervened and pleaded with the court, explaining that his client was ill and required medical attention.
Magistrate Briggs said the court, persuaded by the plea of ill health, decided not to issue the bench warrant and instead adjourned the matter until March 12, 2026.
To resolve the confusion, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, who was present in court, suggested contacting the lawyer’s family for clarification.
A member of the deceased lawyer’s family subsequently confirmed that the lawyer indeed died in December 2025.
According to the family member, the lawyer was allegedly strangled to death in his apartment in Oyigbo, Rivers State, and the police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The strange development left many in the courtroom bewildered, raising questions over who actually appeared before the court on February 10 to represent the litigant.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
