Drama in court as lawyers fight over clients

A mild drama occurred at an Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on Monday, when two legal counsel claimed to be representing the same clients.

The defendants, Michael Daniel and Daniel Baba, were arraigned in court for allegedly stealing two refrigerators, a tabletop freezer and a table top fridge.

But the lawyers, Mr. Mike Emerson and Mr. Ajah Ube, claimed to be representing the defendants standing trial for stealing.

After both defendants pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of stealing, Emerson stood to announce his appearance before the court as their legal representative.

However, Ube also stood and expressed his surprise at Emerson’s claim.

He said, “I spoke to two of them outside, but I’m surprised now that there is another lawyer here appearing for the defendants.”

Emerson, however, insisted that he was the true legal representative to the defendants.

He said, “I’m surprised to see my learned colleague claiming to be representing my clients.”

The Magistrate, Mrs. Y.O. Awope, subsequently asked the defendants to identify the counsel representing them.

Eventually, Daniel picked Ube as his counsel, while Baba identified Emerson as his lawyer.

Awope granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1,000 each and asked them to provide two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until May 8, 2013 for further hearing.