JUWON Files Explosive Petition Against Osun Lawyer
In what observers describe as a classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, the Judiciary Watch of Nigeria (JUWON) has dragged a lawyer, Mr. Muyideen Adeoye Galadima, before the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over allegations of land title forgery, professional misconduct, and abuse of judicial processes.
The Core Allegations
JUWON alleged that Mr. Galadima forged a land title document belonging to another lawyer, now deceased, and fraudulently converted it for the benefit of his clients.
The group described the alleged act as highly unethical, fraudulent, and grossly unbecoming of a legal practitioner, further describing Galadima as a serial forger and pathological liar.
The Federal High Court Controversy
According to JUWON in a Letter dated 10th of February, 2026, and forwarded to the National President of NBA, the lawyer audaciously tendered the disputed document before a Federal High Court, allegedly in a bid to obtain justice “through the back door” over ownership of a vast expanse of land.
A 1997 Judgment Ignored
This, the group noted, was done despite an existing and subsisting judgment of a competent High Court which, as far back as 1997, had ruled in favour of Madam Sinatu Adeoye.
From Courtroom to Crime Scene: Warehouse Destruction
JUWON further alleged that the matter escalated beyond the courtroom. Still pressing what it described as a fraudulent agenda “from the frying pan into the fire,” Mr. Galadima was accused of wilfully instigating the destruction of a warehouse under construction on the judgment creditor’s land.
The Midnight Demolition
The group claimed that, emboldened by the allegedly forged document, the lawyer’s clients mobilised and carried out the demolition under the mistaken assumption that the land belonged to them.
This unhealthy development, JUWON stated, culminated in the malicious destruction of the warehouse on the midnight of February 4, 2026, said to belong to one of the several allottees of the judgment creditor, the late Madam Sinatu Adeoye.
The Alleged Certificate of Occupancy Fraud
JUWON also alleged that the Osun-based lawyer fraudulently converted a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) belonging to a legal luminary, the late Barrister Tunji Abolade, in an attempt to lay claim to judgment land on behalf of a NIPCO Filling Station, the Alare-Iyiolu family, and others.
Location and Parties Involved
The said NIPCO Filling Station is reportedly located beside the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Office, adjacent to the popular Biket Junction, along the Osogbo–Ikirun Road.
While instituting the action on behalf of the said petrol station and three others as his clients, Mr. Galadima was further alleged to have claimed that the late Barrister Tunji Abolade was his client—an assertion JUWON described as a desperate attempt to dispossess the judgment creditors of their lawful land.
The 1997 Judgment: Nearly Three Decades of Settled Law
It would be recalled that a State High Court, in a judgment delivered on February 26, 1997, affirmed the late Madam Sinatu Adeoye as the real and genuine owner of a vast expanse of land located on both sides of the Osogbo–Ikirun Road.
The Land Coverage
The areas covered by the judgment include, but are not limited to:
- Powerline Area
- Omidiran Garden
- Iyana Camp
- Biket Junction Area
- Ifesowapo Community (which shared boundaries with the Bidire family land)
All within Osogbo.
28 Years Without Appeal
JUWON noted that the judgment debtor did not pursue any appeal against the ruling for over 28 years, having accepted the verdict of the State High Court.
The Suspicious Federal High Court Filing
However, in Suit No: FHC/OS/CS/23/2026, Mr. Galadima was alleged to have attached a Certificate of Occupancy dated July 1, 1981, bearing the name of the late Barrister Tunji Abolade, as the title document for:
- NIPCO Petrol Station
- Olugbenga Aro
- Latona Olaiya Tajudeen
- Waheed Raheem
Police Investigation Requested
When the matter was reported at the Ota-Efun Divisional Police Station and the Zone XI Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Osogbo, the police reportedly requested Mr. Galadima and his purported clients to produce their title documents.
Evasive Response
JUWON alleged that they were evasive in complying with the request.
Calls for Criminal Prosecution
Meanwhile, JUWON, through its Deputy National Secretary (DNS), Comrade Michael James, has called on the police to conduct a thorough and credible investigation into the alleged forgery.
No Hesitation on Criminal Charges
The organization urged law enforcement authorities not to hesitate to press criminal charges against all implicated persons—particularly the lawyer, who, the group stressed, is duty-bound by professional ethics to uphold the truth and justice.
NBA Called to Action
Comrade James also called on the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to constitute an independent and unbiased panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations.
Protecting the Legal Profession’s Reputation
He stressed that such action is necessary to sanitise the association and protect the hard-earned reputation of the legal profession from disrepute.
Key Takeaways
- Mr. Muyideen Adeoye Galadima faces an NBA petition for alleged forgery and professional misconduct
- Allegations include fraudulent conversion of the deceased lawyer’s C of O document
- The late Barrister Tunji Abolade’s Certificate of Occupancy was allegedly used without authorization
- 1997 court judgment settled land ownership in favor of the late Madam Sinatu Adeoye
- No appeal was filed for 28 years, indicating acceptance of the judgment
- Warehouse destroyed at midnight on February 4, 2026, allegedly at the instigation of the lawyer’s clients
- NIPCO Filling Station and three others are listed as parties in the disputed Federal High Court suit
- Police requested title documents, but parties allegedly evaded compliance
- JUWON demands both criminal prosecution and NBA disciplinary action
- The NBA panel of inquiry was requested to investigate and protect the legal profession’s integrity
The Broader Implications
This case highlights critical issues in Nigeria’s legal system:
Professional Ethics Under Scrutiny
When lawyers themselves are accused of forgery and document fraud, it undermines public confidence in the entire legal profession. The NBA’s response to this petition will signal how seriously the association takes internal discipline.
Abuse of Court Processes
The alleged attempt to use a Federal High Court to overturn a 28-year-old State High Court judgment through questionable documentation raises concerns about forum shopping and judicial manipulation.
Protection of Judgment Creditors
The destruction of property belonging to judgment creditors, allegedly emboldened by forged documents, demonstrates how legal misconduct can escalate into physical violence and property damage.
The Dead Cannot Defend Themselves.
The alleged fraudulent use of a deceased lawyer’s name and documents is particularly egregious, as the late Barrister Tunji Abolade cannot defend his reputation or confirm whether he ever represented the parties in question.
Summary
The Judiciary Watch of Nigeria (JUWON) has filed a formal petition against Osun-based lawyer Mr. Muyideen Adeoye Galadima, accusing him of forging land title documents belonging to a deceased legal practitioner, professional misconduct, and instigating the destruction of property. The petition alleges that Galadima fraudulently converted a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) belonging to the late Barrister Tunji Abolade to challenge a 1997 court judgment that had settled land ownership for nearly three decades. The case, which involves a NIPCO filling station and the destruction of a warehouse, has raised serious questions about legal ethics and the integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association’s disciplinary processes.
What Happens Next?
The NBA now faces a critical test of its disciplinary mechanisms. Will the association:
- Constitute the requested independent panel?
- Conduct a thorough investigation despite any professional relationships?
- Take decisive action if the allegations are proven?
- Send a strong message that forgery and professional misconduct will not be tolerated.
The legal community and the public are watching closely.
Contact Information
JUWON Deputy National Secretary:
Comrade Michael James
Matter Reference:
Petition dated February 10, 2026
Suit No: FHC/OS/CS/23/2026
By Eniafe Alawo
