Enugu Judiciary Empowers 27 New Notaries

The Enugu State High Court Complex became a focal point of legal prestige this week as the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice A. R. Ozoemena, formally inducted twenty-seven senior legal practitioners into the esteemed role of Notaries Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This administrative ceremony signifies a significant expansion of the state’s capacity to handle sensitive legal transactions and reinforces the safeguards against document-related fraud within the region.

Acting on the mandate of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ozoemena administered the oath of office to a group of lawyers recognized for their significant standing and long-term contributions to the Nigerian Bar. The transition of these practitioners into public officers of the federation follows a rigorous selection process that ensures only those with impeccable records are entrusted with the power to authenticate documents of national and international importance.

The administrative trail leading to the ceremony began at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where the Chief Registrar formally notified the appointees of their selection. Following the approval of their instruments of oath by the Chief Justice of the Federation, the documents were transmitted to the Enugu State judiciary for the final swearing-in. This protocol underscores the gravity of the appointment, which is governed strictly by the Notaries Public Act.

A Notary Public serves as an essential bridge between private individuals and the legal system, acting as an impartial witness to the signing of critical instruments. By assuming this role, the twenty-seven lawyers are now empowered to witness signatures, certify documents as true copies, and administer oaths that carry significant weight in courtrooms and corporate boardrooms alike. Their seal provides a layer of legal credibility that is indispensable for property transactions and powers of attorney.

Beyond local affairs, the presence of more Notaries Public in Enugu is a boon for international relations. Foreign embassies and international organizations rely heavily on the notarization of documents for visas, educational certificates, and cross-border commercial agreements. The induction of these senior lawyers ensures that residents of Enugu and the surrounding areas have easier access to these specialized services, facilitating smoother transitions for those looking to do business or study abroad.

The roster of newly sworn-in officers includes a broad cross-section of the Enugu legal elite. Prominent names such as Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke, Chinazor Dominica Nwankwo, Ejike Michael Ugwu, and Blessing Okoye were among the first to be recognized during the proceedings. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience from various sectors of the law, ranging from litigation to corporate advisory.

The group also includes distinguished practitioners like Chidi Emmanuel Ezenwa, Joy Obianuju Nnani, Benjamin Emeka Enyiagu, and Ede Festus Alu. Their new status as Notaries Public is seen as a “career capstone,” acknowledging their maturity at the Bar and their commitment to the ethical standards of the profession. Also joining the ranks were Uchechukwu Ifeanyi Enoch, Chioma Linda Okeke, Chukwuebuka Gabriel Ogo, and Raphael Obinna Asadu.

The diversity of the appointees was further highlighted by the inclusion of scholars and senior advocates, such as Prof. Gozie Sunday Ogbodo and Dr. Mark Igwe. Their academic backgrounds combined with practical experience provide an added layer of intellectual rigor to the pool of notaries available in the state. Other senior lawyers inducted include Nwabueze Emmanuel Okorie, Daniel Ikedichukwu Ishiwu, and Grace Ngozi Ngene-Ani.

The ceremony also featured the swearing-in of Gabriel Osita Chukwuene, Chime Ifeanyi Theophilus, George Chukwubuike Uduji, and Princess Ebele Elizabeth Onwu-Aka. The list was rounded out by Alphonsus Maduka Ugwuafia and Greg Kenechukwu Okolie, all of whom pledged to uphold the highest standards of integrity. As public officers, they are now subject to strict oversight, as any misuse of their notarization powers can lead to severe disciplinary action by the National Judicial Council and the Supreme Court.

Justice Ozoemena’s role in the ceremony reflects the decentralization of judicial administration, allowing the state’s highest judge to facilitate federal appointments for the benefit of the local community. By swearing in these twenty-seven individuals, the Enugu judiciary is proactively addressing the need for decentralized legal services, making it easier for citizens to obtain authenticated documents without having to travel long distances to the federal capital.

In a climate where document security is increasingly vital to economic stability, the role of these lawyers cannot be overstated. They act as the “gatekeepers of truth,” ensuring that the identities of signatories are verified and that the documents being notarized are genuine. Their contribution is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of forged affidavits and fraudulent land titles that often clog the court systems.

As these twenty-seven senior lawyers return to their respective practices with their new seals of office, the Enugu legal community celebrates a milestone in professional growth. The ceremony serves as a reminder that the law is not just about advocacy in the courtroom, but also about the quiet, diligent work of ensuring that the paperwork of modern life is handled with the utmost honesty and precision.