By Tony Nezianya
Umunna,
It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that I announce the passing of one of our own, Mrs. Agatha Obiozo Mbamali, SAN (née Chude).
The news of her departure was shared with me this morning by a platform member. I subsequently contacted her daughter, who confirmed that Mrs. Mbamali passed away yesterday. While her daughter noted that her mother specifically requested that the South East SANs be duly notified upon her passing, the family is yet to issue a formal announcement regarding the full transition arrangements.
Mrs. Mbamali fought a courageous battle with cancer for over two years. She personally shared her diagnosis with me about two years ago, mentioning then that she was not disposed to receiving visitors. During our recent trip to Abuja last month, a few of our brothers contemplated visiting her, but we were regrettably unable to reach her.
Hailing from Umudei in Onitsha, Anambra State, Mrs. Mbamali earned her law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1977. Following her National Youth Service, she began her distinguished career in 1978 as a Magistrate Grade III in the old Anambra State Judiciary. In 1993, she transferred to the Federal Ministry of Justice under the tenure of Attorney-General Sir Clem Akpamgbo, SAN.
During her tenure at the Federal Ministry of Justice, she rose to Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions before being appointed Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law—a position she held for nearly a decade, overseeing critical litigation involving the Federal Government nationwide. Among her many career achievements, she was part of the team that collaborated with the U.S. Department of Commerce to draft the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
Throughout her career, she handled high-profile, sensitive matters and represented the Federal Government before the Supreme Court of Nigeria in several landmark cases, including:
- A-G, Adamawa State v. A-G, Federation (2005) 18 NWLR (Pt. 958) 581
- A-G, Kano State v. A-G, Federation (2007) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1029) 164
- NNPC v. Famfa Oil Ltd. (2009) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1156) 462
- Ladoja v. INEC II (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1047) 119
- Ede v. Mba (2011) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1278) 236
In 2011, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to public service and the legal profession, she was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)—making history as the first woman from the public sector to attain this honor.
Beyond her stellar achievements, Mrs. Mbamali was a cherished member of this platform since its inception in April 2018. She participated actively in our community, quietly and consistently supporting our levies and charitable initiatives. Her steadfast commitment and presence will be deeply missed.
Burial arrangements will be shared as soon as the family makes them available. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the Mbamali and Chude families. We pray that God grants them the strength, comfort, and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May God Almighty, in His infinite mercy, grant the soul of our dear sister and colleague, Mrs. Agatha Obiozo Mbamali, SAN, eternal rest.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
