Our Practice
Operating from our modern and well-appointed offices in the commercial centres of the cities of Abuja, Lagos, and London, we can offer a wide range of comprehensive legal and professional services to various individuals, businesses, foreign investors, parastatals, governmental, and non-governmental organisations. All our principal practitioners possess a rare and distinctive blend of experience of practice in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and before international criminal courts and Tribunals. Their ability to draw on their practical experience and network of contacts in these jurisdictions arguably gives them a distinct advantage over any their contemporaries.
Our Practice
Our capability and capacity in this regard is based essentially on the skill, experience and multi-jurisdictional qualifications of our partners acquired over decades in both established and emerging fields of law. We also deal with the criminal-law aspects of these matters, other related white-collar crimes, and violations of international criminal law. In each of these fields, we seek to offer our clients a wide range of services and high-quality, personalised, and creative advice. We
combine legal rigour and imagination with solid practical experience and a concern to respond to the needs of our clients efficiently.
Our activities cover disputes with which our clients are confronted, many of which emanate from the domestic and cross-border transactions they are involved in. Some of our lawyers are admitted to and practice in multiple jurisdictions, whilst others have vast experience in the areas of international and domestic arbitration, high court litigation, mediation, adjudication as well as other ADR techniques. We have always regarded the handling of disputes as an essential complement to our legal advisory activity.
As we seek to meet the challenges of a world in constant evolution, the development of personal relations with our clients is of paramount importance to us. We strive to understand the environment in which our clients operate, the activities they pursue, the profession they practice and the projects they develop.
Areas Of Practice
Practitioners in our private client, wealth, trust, and investment advisory team are able to demonstrate their broad understanding of the principles of private client, wealth, and investment advice, within the context of the current regulatory environment in various offshore jurisdictions. We have acted in some of the largest offshore trust cases, including a heavily contested trust and probate case with assets worth over $500 million, spanning Nigeria, Ghana, the Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, and the United Kingdom. We continue to attract a steady flow of high-value and complex cross-border work that spans multiple jurisdictions. Charles Adeogun-Phillips advises trustees, executors, and beneficiaries on a broad range of disputes and heads the firm’s private client, wealth, and Investment Advisory team. He also advises wealthy individuals, trustees, and fiduciaries on disputes arising from sophisticated offshore trusts and structures, as well as detangling the complex asset protection schemes.
At the centrepiece of our practice is a sophisticated international and business crime practice, with significant international expertise in “white-collar” criminal litigation. The Firm has acted in matters involving corruption; embezzlement and abuse of public office; money laundering and tracing proceeds of fraud; complex corporate fraud, to counterfeiting and other violations of intellectual property rights. Our Practice also has experience of dealing with electronic and financial crimes, allegations of insider trading and other violations of investment and securities laws. Some of our practitioners in this area of specialisation have been instructed as prosecutors or defence counsel in some of highest profile money-laundering and/or corruption cases involving ultra-high-net-worth individuals or public officers before courts in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Our ‘white-collar’ and business crime practice includes representing sovereign States, major oil and gas corporations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals in complex corruption and fraud cases, often with cross-border elements. Our practitioners have represented an ultra-high-net-worth individual charged with money laundering in challenging a $40 million non-conviction based interim asset forfeiture order in favour of a sovereign State. Our practitioners have advised two joint venture partners, including an oil exploration corporation owned by a sovereign State and a multinational exploration oil company, in $1billion fraud claim against the operator of the joint venture in 3 oil producing fields.
Our practitioners are experienced at acting as client advisers in high value criminal and civil fraud litigation matters in partnership with law firms around the world, engaged in the conduct in-court advocacy, including but not limited to Kobre & Kim UK LLP; Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan UK LLP; Studio Legal Giuseppe Iannaccone e Associati Miliano and Studio Legal Giordanengo Associati Torino.
Notable Non-Conviction Civil Asset Forfeiture Case
Lead Counsel, The Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Dauda Lawal, Case No: FHC/L/CS/13/2017. The defendant was an Executive Director of the largest commercial bank in Nigeria who sought to challenge an interim order of forfeiture of the sum of $153.3 million to the Federal Government of Nigeria made by the Federal High Court of Nigeria. (2017) The final forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court was subsequently overturned by both the Court of Appeal (2020) and the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2021 and become the locus classicus in the area of non-conviction based civil assets forfeiture claims in Nigeria.
Notable Corruption Cases
Our practitioners between 2020 and 2023, represented the Defendant as investigation and local counsel in matter between the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) Vs. Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) (Claim No: Cl-2019-000752) before the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales Commercial Court, London (QBD). The case which centred on an alleged $11.1 billion procurement fraud claim, was the largest of its kind, brought before a UK court by a sovereign State against a foreign investor, following a repudiated infrastructure contract allegedly procured by fraud and corruption with the complicity of several public office holders. The FRN vs. P&ID case was one of the highest value arbitral enforcement disputes ever to be seen internationally.
Our practitioners, between 2020 and 2023, acted as investigation and local counsel in a very complex white-collar cross-border corruption investigation and subsequent prosecution (Info Proc. 12333/17), instituted by the Office of the Public Prosecutor in Milan Italy, following allegations of a criminal conspiracy between March and May 2019, involving our clients, a UAE based oil trading company and several officials of the State owned Eni Trading & Shipping S.P.A, to fraudulently engage in the trade and supply of crude oil originating from Iran, a UN embargoed country, under the guise that the said product was Basrah Light crude from Iraq. Other allegations included that of obstruction of investigations against ENI’s senior management in connection with its alleged corrupt economic activities in Nigeria and Algeria.
Between 2016 and 2017, our founder Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was appointed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria to lead the unprecedented corruption investigations and trials of several senior judicial officers in Nigeria. He led the following corruption investigations and trials:
Lead Prosecution Counsel, Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta, JSC, Case No: FHC/ABJ/C/232/16. The defendant was a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, charged before the Federal High Court of Nigeria with money laundering and passport fraud. (2016/2017)
Lead Prosecution Counsel, Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Muhammed Abdulrahman Sharif and Rilwanu Lawal Case No: FCT/CR/13/2016 before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The defendants were the registrar and senior administrators at the Supreme Court of Nigeria respectively, charged before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria with money laundering/corruption (2016/2017)
Our ‘white-collar’ and business crime practice includes representing sovereign States, major oil and gas corporations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals in complex corruption and fraud cases, often with cross-border elements. Our practitioners have represented an ultra-high-net-worth individual charged with money laundering in challenging a $40 million non-conviction based interim asset forfeiture order in favour of a sovereign State. Our practitioners have advised two joint venture partners, including an oil exploration corporation owned by a sovereign State and a multinational exploration oil company, in $1billion fraud claim against the operator of the joint venture in 3 oil producing fields.
Our practitioners are experienced at acting as client advisers in high value criminal and civil fraud litigation matters in partnership with law firms around the world, engaged in the conduct in-court advocacy, including but not limited to Kobre & Kim UK LLP; Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan UK LLP; Studio Legal Giuseppe Iannaccone e Associati Miliano and Studio Legal Giordanengo Associati Torino.
Notable Non-Conviction Civil Asset Forfeiture Case
Lead Counsel, The Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Dauda Lawal, Case No: FHC/L/CS/13/2017. The defendant was an Executive Director of the largest commercial bank in Nigeria who sought to challenge an interim order of forfeiture of the sum of $153.3 million to the Federal Government of Nigeria made by the Federal High Court of Nigeria. (2017) The final forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court was subsequently overturned by both the Court of Appeal (2020) and the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2021 and become the locus classicus in the area of non-conviction based civil assets forfeiture claims in Nigeria.
Notable Corruption Cases
Our practitioners between 2020 and 2023, represented the Defendant as investigation and local counsel in matter between the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) Vs. Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) (Claim No: Cl-2019-000752) before the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales Commercial Court, London (QBD). The case which centred on an alleged $11.1 billion procurement fraud claim, was the largest of its kind, brought before a UK court by a sovereign State against a foreign investor, following a repudiated infrastructure contract allegedly procured by fraud and corruption with the complicity of several public office holders. The FRN vs. P&ID case was one of the highest value arbitral enforcement disputes ever to be seen internationally.
Our practitioners, between 2020 and 2023, acted as investigation and local counsel in a very complex white-collar cross-border corruption investigation and subsequent prosecution (Info Proc. 12333/17), instituted by the Office of the Public Prosecutor in Milan Italy, following allegations of a criminal conspiracy between March and May 2019, involving our clients, a UAE based oil trading company and several officials of the State owned Eni Trading & Shipping S.P.A, to fraudulently engage in the trade and supply of crude oil originating from Iran, a UN embargoed country, under the guise that the said product was Basrah Light crude from Iraq. Other allegations included that of obstruction of investigations against ENI’s senior management in connection with its alleged corrupt economic activities in Nigeria and Algeria.
Between 2016 and 2017, our founder Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was appointed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria to lead the unprecedented corruption investigations and trials of several senior judicial officers in Nigeria. He led the following corruption investigations and trials:
Lead Prosecution Counsel, Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta, JSC, Case No: FHC/ABJ/C/232/16. The defendant was a sitting Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, charged before the Federal High Court of Nigeria with money laundering and passport fraud. (2016/2017)
Lead Prosecution Counsel, Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Muhammed Abdulrahman Sharif and Rilwanu Lawal Case No: FCT/CR/13/2016 before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The defendants were the registrar and senior administrators at the Supreme Court of Nigeria respectively, charged before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria with money laundering/corruption (2016/2017)
We have always regarded the handling of disputes as an essential compliment to our legal advisory activity. Charles Anthony’s litigation and dispute resolution practice covers virtually every aspect of civil and commercial litigation. Our litigation and dispute resolution practitioners appear at all levels of state, federal and international courts and possess an enviable success rate. In addition, many of our practitioners are experienced in international arbitration, mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution and belong to some of the most prestigious arbitration associations and institutions in the world.
International disputes are increasing dramatically as businesses expand into foreign markets to compete in the global economy. To that end, litigating across national borders is often legally complex and raises novel or unusual challenges with regard to-choice-of-law and forum. It requires experience to coordinate and implement an effective litigation strategy. Our senior practitioners have between them, over three decades of experience of practice outside this jurisdiction. Consequently, they have the training and skills necessary to handle the unique dimensions of international litigation and effectively represent clients in cross-border disputes.
Our senior practitioners are qualified in England & Wales and thereby able to advice on English law and/or procedure. They also represent our clients in that jurisdiction. Such clients will benefit from our capacity in this regard on three fronts. Firstly, they will no longer have to be concerned about instructing foreign lawyers, secondly, they can be confident that they will be receiving high level representation in such matters, finally, they will no longer have to remunerate for such work in foreign currency as all fees can be agreed and paid in the local currency – this has the effect of ensuring maximum returns on minimal costs. Our practitioners have advised and represented a state-owned asset management entity in the resolution of a multi-billion Naira investment dispute through arbitration and litigation.
Our senior practitioners are qualified in England & Wales and thereby able to advice on English law and/or procedure. They also represent our clients in that jurisdiction. Such clients will benefit from our capacity in this regard on three fronts. Firstly, they will no longer have to be concerned about instructing foreign lawyers, secondly, they can be confident that they will be receiving high level representation in such matters, finally, they will no longer have to remunerate for such work in foreign currency as all fees can be agreed and paid in the local currency – this has the effect of ensuring maximum returns on minimal costs. Our practitioners have advised and represented a state-owned asset management entity in the resolution of a multi-billion Naira investment dispute through arbitration and litigation.
At Charles Anthony we have a proven experience in representing Sovereign States seeking to trace, freeze and recover the proceeds of corruption and/or compensation for corrupt acts. We also have experience of providing representation to financial institutions and other clients in debt recovery cases. All three senior practitioners at our practice are multi-jurisdictional lawyers. Such multi-jurisdictional qualifications and experience reinforces our existing capabilities in tracing and restraining assets derived from the proceeds of corruption and other unlawful acts located in the United Kingdom and other offshore jurisdictions.
Our practitioners are extremely familiar with the legislative asset recovery regimes in the United Kingdom including the UK Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) regime since January 2018, the Criminal Finances Act 2017, the Register of Overseas Entities, and the various reciprocal international anti-money laundering protocols and/or legislation in other parts of Europe, the USA, South Africa, and the Middle East. They are therefore uniquely qualified to provide the requisite legal advice, representation, and investigative support to our clients, both in Nigeria, as well as in the overseas jurisdictions outlined above. Our founder, Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips also sits on the Board of Integrity Initiatives International an international NGO advocating for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court.
We have advised and assisted domestic law enforcement agencies to:
Our practitioners are extremely familiar with the legislative asset recovery regimes in the United Kingdom including the UK Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) regime since January 2018, the Criminal Finances Act 2017, the Register of Overseas Entities, and the various reciprocal international anti-money laundering protocols and/or legislation in other parts of Europe, the USA, South Africa, and the Middle East. They are therefore uniquely qualified to provide the requisite legal advice, representation, and investigative support to our clients, both in Nigeria, as well as in the overseas jurisdictions outlined above. Our founder, Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips also sits on the Board of Integrity Initiatives International an international NGO advocating for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court.
We have advised and assisted domestic law enforcement agencies to:
- Recover misappropriated public funds, bribes, and compensation for corruption from dishonest public officials, their companies, trusts, and associates.
- Instituting claims to recover assets or compensation against third parties which knowingly handle the proceeds of corruption or assist in the laundering of it.
We have also assisted in training law enforcement agents in Nigeria on mechanisms to recover the proceeds of corruption.
Building on the strong traditions inherited from our parent practice, our labour and employment practitioners represent clients engaged in litigation, before various courts, arbitral and administrative tribunals in matters regarding employment discrimination, employee benefits, wrongful dismissal, and other labour related issues. They are also capable of rendering numerous services to clients including advice on a wide range of employment matters including terms and conditions, termination, transfers of businesses, employee share ownership schemes, pensions, and other retirement benefits.
Our lawyers can also represent employers in all facets of union and management relations, including contract negotiations and administration. They can also advice clients on personnel and business decisions, including compensation systems, employee benefit plans, the legal implications of staff retrenchment and mergers and acquisitions. We have specialists providing advice and services on immigration and nationality matters, particularly regarding entry permits for expatriate workers.
Our practitioners have vast experience in representing present and former Staff Members of the United Nations in challenging employment and administrative related decisions of the United Nations Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute and Appeals Tribunals.
Notable International civil service law cases conducted by our practitioners have included, AAE vs. Secretary-General of the United Nations (Case No; UNAT/2022/1695) before the United Nations Appeals Tribunal at New York wherein our practitioners represented a high-level UN official in his appeal against the majority decision of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal in Nairobi, upholding his summary dismissal on account of his alleged gross sexual misconduct between 2022 and 2023. Between 2020 and 2021, our practitioners had initially represented the same official in his trial before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, Nairobi Case No; UNDT/NBI/2020/033.
Our practitioners also represented UN staff-members, Michael Antoine, and Ray Steven Millan (UNAT/2022/1659/1662 &1663) in their respective matters against the Secretary-General of the United Nations before the United Nations Appeals Tribunal, New York, and the United Nations Dispute Tribunal in Nairobi (UNDT/NBI/2020/052/053). The two Applicants sought to challenge the disciplinary measures imposed on them following allegations of misconduct and engaging in acts of a sexual nature inside a moving UN vehicle in Tel Aviv, Israel in June 2020, having been caught on video by a member of the public (2020)
Our lawyers can also represent employers in all facets of union and management relations, including contract negotiations and administration. They can also advice clients on personnel and business decisions, including compensation systems, employee benefit plans, the legal implications of staff retrenchment and mergers and acquisitions. We have specialists providing advice and services on immigration and nationality matters, particularly regarding entry permits for expatriate workers.
Our practitioners have vast experience in representing present and former Staff Members of the United Nations in challenging employment and administrative related decisions of the United Nations Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute and Appeals Tribunals.
Notable International civil service law cases conducted by our practitioners have included, AAE vs. Secretary-General of the United Nations (Case No; UNAT/2022/1695) before the United Nations Appeals Tribunal at New York wherein our practitioners represented a high-level UN official in his appeal against the majority decision of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal in Nairobi, upholding his summary dismissal on account of his alleged gross sexual misconduct between 2022 and 2023. Between 2020 and 2021, our practitioners had initially represented the same official in his trial before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, Nairobi Case No; UNDT/NBI/2020/033.
Our practitioners also represented UN staff-members, Michael Antoine, and Ray Steven Millan (UNAT/2022/1659/1662 &1663) in their respective matters against the Secretary-General of the United Nations before the United Nations Appeals Tribunal, New York, and the United Nations Dispute Tribunal in Nairobi (UNDT/NBI/2020/052/053). The two Applicants sought to challenge the disciplinary measures imposed on them following allegations of misconduct and engaging in acts of a sexual nature inside a moving UN vehicle in Tel Aviv, Israel in June 2020, having been caught on video by a member of the public (2020)
At Charles Anthony Lawyers we are particularly experienced in this relatively novel and niche area of international legal practice. Our founder, Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, has significant experience in dealing with matters involving serious violations of international criminal and humanitarian law including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, international piracy, and terrorism. Having practiced for over three decades in the international criminal and humanitarian law fields, he belongs to a select and highly revered circle of leading and internationally recognised legal experts in this field. He has over 30 years’ experience of leading high profile international criminal prosecutions and investigations before international courts and tribunals including, the United Nations international Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda where he successfully led teams of international prosecutors in 12 separate international criminal trials. With the 1945 trials of major war criminals before the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and Tokyo serving as his only precedent, his work as a lead prosecutor, fighting for justice, on behalf of over 800,000 victims of the worst crimes ever known to mankind, placed him in the forefront of several pioneering developments in the field of international humanitarian and criminal law, a feat which earned him a citation in the maiden edition of Creswell’s “Who’s Who in Public International Law” in 2007 and in the International Year Book and Statesmen's Who's Who in 2011. The rate of the killings in Rwanda was four times greater than at the height of the Nazi Holocaust.
He has also litigated cases at the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, where he successfully challenged the constitutional prohibition against independent candidature for election into public office, as a violation of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. His advisory practice includes providing specialist advice to the Military Defence Headquarters in Nigeria, following Amnesty Internationals’ allegations of extra judicial killings allegedly committed by members of the Nigerian Armed Forces against members the terrorist group Boko Haram, and to the Nigerian Government on ICC related transitional justice issues. He also advises various Governments and international NGOs on ICC related transitional justice issues, including but not limited to; in connection with the 1988 mass extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances of political prisoners in Iran and the allegation of genocide on members of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Ethiopia.
Notable International Human Rights Cases
Professor Roland Adjovi and Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips were Lead and Co- Counsel in Mtikila vs. United Republic of Tanzania Application No: 011/2011 before the African Court on Human and People’s Rights. (2014). The Mtikila case was a watershed and precedent-setting case in international human rights law wherein the African Court, held that the prohibition by the Tanzanian Government on independent candidacy for election to public office, violated the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the International Convention of Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The Mtikila case was the first to be heard by the said Court on its merits since its inception in 2004. It was also the first case to be decided by the Court in favour of the Applicant and the first case before the Court on the issue of reparations.
Notable International Criminal Law Cases
In conducting the prosecution of 12 genocide cases before the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, our founder, Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, tackled several novel substantive and procedural issues never addressed before in public international law. These included the challenges of conducting international criminal investigations and prosecutions; the adequacy of pleadings and specificity of indictments in the context of large-scale international crimes; the development of the definition of rape as constituting acts of genocide; investigating and prosecuting international crimes involving sexual violence; guilty plea negotiations in the context of large-scale international crimes; command responsibility as concerns military and civilian superiors. Some of his notable international trials include the following:
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Dominique Ntawukulilyayo Case No: ICTR-05-82 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2009-2010). The defendant was charged with genocide; direct and public incitement to commit genocide; rape, and other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Lt. Col Tharcisse Muvunyi (Re-Trial) Case No: ICTR-00-55A before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2009-2010). This was a re-trial on one count of direct and public incitement to commit genocide. This was the first re-trial ordered by an international criminal trial. The issues raised in this case developed and strengthened the jurisprudence of international criminal tribunals as to the scope of evidence that can be adduced during a re-trial.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Juvenal Rugambarara Case No: ICTR-00-59 before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2006-2007). The defendant was charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, extermination, murder, and torture as crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Francois Karera Case No: ICTR-01-74 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2006). The defendant was charged with genocide, extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Lt. Col Tharcisse Muvunyi Case No: ICTR-00-54 before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2005-2006). The defendant was charged with genocide; direct and public incitement to commit genocide, rape, and other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Paul Bisengimana Case No: ICTR-00-60 before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2005-2006). The defendant was charged with genocide, murder, extermination, and rape as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Vincent Rutaganira Case No: ICTR-96-IC before Trial Chamber III of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2004-2005). The defendant was charged with genocide, murder, and extermination as crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Mika Muhimana Case No: ICTR-95-IB before Trial Chamber III of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. (2004-2005). The defendant was charged with genocide, murder, and rape as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecuting Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Emmanuel Ndindabahizi Case No: ICTR-01-71 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2003-2004) The defendant was charged with genocide; extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Pastor Elizaphan and Dr. Gerard Ntakirutimana Case No: ICTR-96-10 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The defendant was charged with genocide; extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity (2001-2002).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Ignace Bagilishema Case No: ICTR-96-1A before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The defendant was charged with genocide; conspiracy to commit genocide, extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity (1999-2000)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Alfred Musema Case No: ICTR-96-13 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The defendant was charged with genocide; conspiracy to commit genocide; extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity (1999)
He has also litigated cases at the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, where he successfully challenged the constitutional prohibition against independent candidature for election into public office, as a violation of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. His advisory practice includes providing specialist advice to the Military Defence Headquarters in Nigeria, following Amnesty Internationals’ allegations of extra judicial killings allegedly committed by members of the Nigerian Armed Forces against members the terrorist group Boko Haram, and to the Nigerian Government on ICC related transitional justice issues. He also advises various Governments and international NGOs on ICC related transitional justice issues, including but not limited to; in connection with the 1988 mass extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances of political prisoners in Iran and the allegation of genocide on members of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Ethiopia.
Notable International Human Rights Cases
Professor Roland Adjovi and Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips were Lead and Co- Counsel in Mtikila vs. United Republic of Tanzania Application No: 011/2011 before the African Court on Human and People’s Rights. (2014). The Mtikila case was a watershed and precedent-setting case in international human rights law wherein the African Court, held that the prohibition by the Tanzanian Government on independent candidacy for election to public office, violated the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the International Convention of Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The Mtikila case was the first to be heard by the said Court on its merits since its inception in 2004. It was also the first case to be decided by the Court in favour of the Applicant and the first case before the Court on the issue of reparations.
Notable International Criminal Law Cases
In conducting the prosecution of 12 genocide cases before the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, our founder, Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, tackled several novel substantive and procedural issues never addressed before in public international law. These included the challenges of conducting international criminal investigations and prosecutions; the adequacy of pleadings and specificity of indictments in the context of large-scale international crimes; the development of the definition of rape as constituting acts of genocide; investigating and prosecuting international crimes involving sexual violence; guilty plea negotiations in the context of large-scale international crimes; command responsibility as concerns military and civilian superiors. Some of his notable international trials include the following:
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Dominique Ntawukulilyayo Case No: ICTR-05-82 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2009-2010). The defendant was charged with genocide; direct and public incitement to commit genocide; rape, and other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Lt. Col Tharcisse Muvunyi (Re-Trial) Case No: ICTR-00-55A before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2009-2010). This was a re-trial on one count of direct and public incitement to commit genocide. This was the first re-trial ordered by an international criminal trial. The issues raised in this case developed and strengthened the jurisprudence of international criminal tribunals as to the scope of evidence that can be adduced during a re-trial.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Juvenal Rugambarara Case No: ICTR-00-59 before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2006-2007). The defendant was charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, extermination, murder, and torture as crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Francois Karera Case No: ICTR-01-74 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2006). The defendant was charged with genocide, extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Lt. Col Tharcisse Muvunyi Case No: ICTR-00-54 before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2005-2006). The defendant was charged with genocide; direct and public incitement to commit genocide, rape, and other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Paul Bisengimana Case No: ICTR-00-60 before Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2005-2006). The defendant was charged with genocide, murder, extermination, and rape as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Vincent Rutaganira Case No: ICTR-96-IC before Trial Chamber III of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2004-2005). The defendant was charged with genocide, murder, and extermination as crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Mika Muhimana Case No: ICTR-95-IB before Trial Chamber III of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. (2004-2005). The defendant was charged with genocide, murder, and rape as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecuting Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Emmanuel Ndindabahizi Case No: ICTR-01-71 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2003-2004) The defendant was charged with genocide; extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Lead Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Pastor Elizaphan and Dr. Gerard Ntakirutimana Case No: ICTR-96-10 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The defendant was charged with genocide; extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity (2001-2002).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Ignace Bagilishema Case No: ICTR-96-1A before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The defendant was charged with genocide; conspiracy to commit genocide, extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity (1999-2000)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips was Prosecution Counsel in the Prosecutor vs. Mr. Alfred Musema Case No: ICTR-96-13 before Trial Chamber I of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The defendant was charged with genocide; conspiracy to commit genocide; extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity (1999)
Our firm has significant experience advising on and acting in company, commercial and investment matters. We have advised clients in the petroleum, gas, telecommunications the information technology and real estate sectors.
Our corporate law practice focuses on the legal aspects of business formation, management, corporate governance and foreign investment, procurement of general and sectorial licences and permits, general and sectorial regulatory compliance, secured finance, mergers and acquisitions, and business insolvency.
Our commercial law practice focuses on structuring, negotiating, and reviewing commercial transactions within and outside Nigeria involving transfer-pricing considerations where necessary, assessing contractual performance for optimum value derivation and dispute prevention, assessing contractual risks, implementing commercial dispute detection and prevention measures, and the protection of intellectual property rights. Our practitioners have advised a US-based telecoms major on business acquisition in Nigeria particularly in the areas of general and sectorial regulatory compliance, licence compliance audits, corporate governance, licensing, and importation of foreign technology, structuring of service-level contracts, transfer pricing considerations.
Our corporate law practice focuses on the legal aspects of business formation, management, corporate governance and foreign investment, procurement of general and sectorial licences and permits, general and sectorial regulatory compliance, secured finance, mergers and acquisitions, and business insolvency.
Our commercial law practice focuses on structuring, negotiating, and reviewing commercial transactions within and outside Nigeria involving transfer-pricing considerations where necessary, assessing contractual performance for optimum value derivation and dispute prevention, assessing contractual risks, implementing commercial dispute detection and prevention measures, and the protection of intellectual property rights. Our practitioners have advised a US-based telecoms major on business acquisition in Nigeria particularly in the areas of general and sectorial regulatory compliance, licence compliance audits, corporate governance, licensing, and importation of foreign technology, structuring of service-level contracts, transfer pricing considerations.
As part of our founder’s commitment to give back to society and enhance the defence of fundamental human rights in Africa, in partnership with TrustLaw - Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal programme, Charles Anthony’s pro bono activities have included representing on appeal, various State Governments and/or convicted persons many of whom had been sentenced to death, on a pro-bono basis. Some of our notable pro-bono cases include the following:
Notable Pro-Bono Criminal Appeal Cases
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Respondent in Akinwunmi Akinwunmi vs. The State of Ogun, Appeal No: SC/CR/1568/2019, an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria which resulted in a judgment in the Respondent’s favour, confirming the concurring decisions of the courts below (Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division and High Court of Ogun State) convicting the Appellant for the offences of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and attempted armed robbery and the sentence of death by hanging (2021/2022).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Respondent in Jeremiah Joseph vs. The State of Kaduna, Appeal No.SC/198/2013, an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria which resulted in a judgment in the Respondent’s favour, confirming the order for a retrial/remittal to another High Court Judge in Kaduna made by the Court of Appeal against an order of dismissal/acquittal sought by the Appellant for allegations of armed robbery (2021/2022).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Respondent in Sikiru Ismaila vs. The State of Ogun, Appeal No.SC/64/2017, an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking confirmation of the convictions for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and the sentence of death by hanging made against the Appellant by the Court of Appeal (Ibadan Division) (2023)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Appellant in Yahaya Musa vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: SC/CR/508/2022 before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Appellant in Abubakar Jika vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: SC/CR/509/2022 before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2023)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Appellant in Idrisa Mallam Yahaya vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: SC/CR/510/2022, before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against a conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery armed with a weapon and the sentence of death by hanging (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Dennis Yohanna Baba Laam vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/100c/2022, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for Criminal Conspiracy, Culpable Homicide Not Punishable with death and Inciting Public Disturbance and the sentence of life imprisonment (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Dompa Hyellablani vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/82c/2022, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for Criminal Conspiracy to commit armed robbery while armed with offensive weapon and Robbery while armed with offensive weapon and the sentence of and the sentence of death by hanging (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Umar Goshi vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/122c/2021, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and house breaking and the sentence of death by hanging. (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Yahaya Musa vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/124c/2021 before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2021).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Abubakar Jika vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/121c/2021 before Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2021)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Idrisa Mallam Yahaya vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/123c/2021, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery armed with a weapon and the sentence of death by hanging (2021).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Mr. Ishaq Apalando, represented the Respondent in Momodu Mutairu vs. The State of Lagos, Appeal No: CA/LAG/CR/1174/2019, an appeal before the Court of Appeal (Lagos Division) against a conviction for defilement and sexual assault and 15-year prison sentence imposed thereof (2020)
Other Notable Pro-Bono Civil Appeal Cases
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman represented the Respondent in Bamu Gari Wadata vs. Adamu Sani Wadata, Appeal No: SC/777/2016, which was an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria in a land dispute. Arguing on behalf of the Respondent of the improper commencement of the claim at the Upper Shariah Court, Yauri Kebbi State as same cannot be classified as a question of Islamic personal law as defined by section 277 of the 1999 CFRN as amended. Negotiated between parties to arrive at an out-of-court settlement which was filed before the Supreme Court.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman represented the 4 Appellants in Salman Saidu Adamu & 3 Ors vs. Abdullahi M. Nda, Appeal No: SC/192/2005, which was an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria in to confirm the validity of a gift made inter vivos in accordance with Islamic rulings. Negotiated between parties to arrive at an out-of-court settlement which has been filed.
Notable Pro-Bono Criminal Appeal Cases
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Respondent in Akinwunmi Akinwunmi vs. The State of Ogun, Appeal No: SC/CR/1568/2019, an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria which resulted in a judgment in the Respondent’s favour, confirming the concurring decisions of the courts below (Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division and High Court of Ogun State) convicting the Appellant for the offences of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and attempted armed robbery and the sentence of death by hanging (2021/2022).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Respondent in Jeremiah Joseph vs. The State of Kaduna, Appeal No.SC/198/2013, an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria which resulted in a judgment in the Respondent’s favour, confirming the order for a retrial/remittal to another High Court Judge in Kaduna made by the Court of Appeal against an order of dismissal/acquittal sought by the Appellant for allegations of armed robbery (2021/2022).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Respondent in Sikiru Ismaila vs. The State of Ogun, Appeal No.SC/64/2017, an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking confirmation of the convictions for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and the sentence of death by hanging made against the Appellant by the Court of Appeal (Ibadan Division) (2023)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Appellant in Yahaya Musa vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: SC/CR/508/2022 before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Appellant in Abubakar Jika vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: SC/CR/509/2022 before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2023)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, represents the Appellant in Idrisa Mallam Yahaya vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: SC/CR/510/2022, before the Supreme Court of Nigeria against a conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery armed with a weapon and the sentence of death by hanging (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Dennis Yohanna Baba Laam vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/100c/2022, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for Criminal Conspiracy, Culpable Homicide Not Punishable with death and Inciting Public Disturbance and the sentence of life imprisonment (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Dompa Hyellablani vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/82c/2022, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for Criminal Conspiracy to commit armed robbery while armed with offensive weapon and Robbery while armed with offensive weapon and the sentence of and the sentence of death by hanging (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Umar Goshi vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/122c/2021, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and house breaking and the sentence of death by hanging. (2023).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Yahaya Musa vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/124c/2021 before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2021).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Abubakar Jika vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/121c/2021 before Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for culpable homicide and the sentence of death by hanging (2021)
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Halima Salman, represented the Appellant in Idrisa Mallam Yahaya vs. The State of Adamawa, Appeal No: CA/YL/123c/2021, before the Court of Appeal (Yola Division) against a conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery armed with a weapon and the sentence of death by hanging (2021).
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Mr. Ishaq Apalando, represented the Respondent in Momodu Mutairu vs. The State of Lagos, Appeal No: CA/LAG/CR/1174/2019, an appeal before the Court of Appeal (Lagos Division) against a conviction for defilement and sexual assault and 15-year prison sentence imposed thereof (2020)
Other Notable Pro-Bono Civil Appeal Cases
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman represented the Respondent in Bamu Gari Wadata vs. Adamu Sani Wadata, Appeal No: SC/777/2016, which was an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria in a land dispute. Arguing on behalf of the Respondent of the improper commencement of the claim at the Upper Shariah Court, Yauri Kebbi State as same cannot be classified as a question of Islamic personal law as defined by section 277 of the 1999 CFRN as amended. Negotiated between parties to arrive at an out-of-court settlement which was filed before the Supreme Court.
Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips with Ms. Halima Salman represented the 4 Appellants in Salman Saidu Adamu & 3 Ors vs. Abdullahi M. Nda, Appeal No: SC/192/2005, which was an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria in to confirm the validity of a gift made inter vivos in accordance with Islamic rulings. Negotiated between parties to arrive at an out-of-court settlement which has been filed.