Sokoto State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), popularly known as the Caliphate Bar, has immortalised two of its distinguished late members, Barrister Bello Mahmud and Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir, in recognition of their contributions to the legal profession and public service.
As part of the honour, the association named its event centre after the late Barrister Bello Mahmud, while its main hall was dedicated to the memory of the late Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir.
The development is aimed at preserving their legacies and ensuring that future generations of lawyers remember their service to the legal profession and society.
The Sokoto NBA Secretariat, known as the Hon. Justice Frank C. Udeh House, has witnessed significant growth and increased activities over the past two years under the leadership of the state NBA Chairperson, Barrister Rashidat Mohammed.
Speaking on the decision to immortalise the two legal icons, Rashidat said the move was intended to ensure that history remembers them for their positive contributions to the growth and development of the NBA.
According to her, the entire secretariat will continue to bear the name of Hon. Justice Frank C. Udeh House, while the event centre and hall have been named after the two late legal practitioners as a mark of honour and respect.
«”And the intent is to also prove to all that no good intention and selfless service will ever go unnoticed. The human recognition might not be immediate but Almighty Allah always reward good deeds here and the hereafter.”»
Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir was widely respected as a legal practitioner, administrator, political strategist and northern leader.
He studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1991.
Abdulkadir began his career in public service as a State Counsel in the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice. Over the years, he held several important positions, including Secretary of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, member of the Sokoto State Penal Law Review Panel, Secretary of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, and later Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Sokoto State.
His political career also saw him emerge as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Orji Uzor Kalu under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) during the 2003 general election.
He later served as Minister of Youth Development, National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).
Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir passed away on July 6, 2020, following complications related to COVID-19 during the global pandemic.
Many who knew him described his life as a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to national prominence, where he left his mark in both the legal profession and public service.
Barrister Bello Mahmud also enjoyed a distinguished legal and administrative career. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1979.
He started his legal career as a State Counsel in the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice and rose through the ranks to become Principal State Counsel.
He later joined the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, where he served as Principal Secretary and Assistant Director.
Mahmud also worked in the private sector before being appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Sokoto State in 1996.
He subsequently served at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), where he held the position of Director of Compliance before becoming the Registrar-General of the commission.
The Sokoto NBA said the decision to honour the two late legal practitioners reflects their lasting impact on the legal profession, public and national development.
