By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
A judge of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Edith Agbakoba is dead. She died on Monday morning at Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement signed on behalf of the family by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and another brother, Gozie, the family thanked the President of NICN, Justice Benedict Kanyip for supporting the family.
The statement reads: “It is with great sadness that the Agbakoba Family of Umuasele Quarters Onitsha announce the passing of their wife, mother and sister, Justice Edith Agbakoba at Abuja this morning the 6th of November, 2023. We ask all to please pray for the repose of her soul;
“We thank the President of the National Industrial court where Justice Agbakoba served with distinction, for the support of the court”.
Meanwhile, Justice Benedict Kanyip, has ordered all offices of the Court to close at 1.00pm for today (Monday) and all flags to fly at half-mast throughout this week in honour of the late Jurist.
His Lordship, Hon. Justice E. N. Agbakoba was born in London to the family of Edward Chike Ekpechi , father and Anthonia Chinke Ekpechi , mother both from Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Justice Edith Agbakoba attended Notre Dame High School, London from 1974 to 1977 and Girls High School, Awkunanaw, Enugu from 1977 to 1980 for WASC.
She got admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and bagged an LL.B in 1984 and was called to the Bar in 1985.
Justice Agbakoba bagged a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Law from California South University, Irvine CA, USA in 2012.
She served her NYSC primary assignment at Legal Aid Council, State Secretariat, Ibadan in 1985/86 service year. She started her career as Counsel at the Legal Aid Office, Anambra State in 1986 and rose to the position of Principal Legal Officer in 1993.
She was promoted to Assistant Chief Legal Aid Officer in 1997 and Zonal Director, Legal Aid Council in charge of five (5) States namely, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara States in 2003.
She held the position till 2005 before her promotion to the position of Deputy Director, Civil Litigation, Legal Aid Council Headquarters and was later appointed Director of Litigation in 2011.
She also served as Director, Civil Justice at the Legal Aid Council Headquarters, Abuja before her appointment as a Judge of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
His Lordship attended several professional courses and conferences at home and abroad and has many publications to her credit.
Until her death, Justice Agbakoba was a member of many professional bodies like NBA, International Dispute Resolution Institute, Institute of Fraud Examiners and Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK and Nigeria Branch.
Justice Agbakoba is happily married with a daughter.
