Lugard Tare-Otu Esq.

Managing Partner

Lugard Tare-Otu is the Chairman & Managing Partner of the firm. He also leads the Firm’s Disputes Resolution and Energy, Natural Resources & Environmental Protection Practice Groups.

He is a passionate, cerebral and experienced legal practitioner with cognate experience and competence in Energy & Natural Resources, Oil Spill Disputes & Tortious Hydrocarbon Environmental Law, Commercial Litigation, Corporate & Commercial Law, and Projects & Infrastructure.

He previously served, from 2014 to 2016, as Special Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner of Trade, Industry & Investment of Bayelsa State, working as part of the team that led and coordinated the trade, industry, and investment portfolios of the Bayelsa State Government.

His broad base of industry-sector experience has enabled him to previously advise many clients and represent them on notable and complex matters, in all the superior courts of record in Nigeria.

  • Acted as lead counsel in the successful defence of a multinational oil company in 5 lawsuits at the Federal High Court, involving claims for damages in excess of about N2b, following major oil spills in some communities in Rivers State.
  • The successful defence of a multinational oil company in a suit involving a claim for damages arising out of an allegation of trespass to land.
  • Successful defence of a multinational oil servicing, engineering and construction company in 2 multimillion Naira law suits arising from claims for title and trespass to land, and trespass to chattels respectively.
  • Successful defence of a multinational petrochemical company in a suit at the National Industrial Court, involving a multimillion Naira claim for compensation arising from allegations of wrongful termination of employment.
  • Successful defence of a multinational oil company in a suit instituted by an oil and gas host community seeking to enforce the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the corporate social responsibilities of the company in the community.
  • Advised a major indigenous oil and gas company in Nigeria on all aspects of insurance to be undertaken on an oil-drilling field.
  • Acted as transaction team member in proffering advice to a State Government in Nigeria for the development of a Rail Project.
  • Acted as transaction team member in proffering advice to a company for the development of a major residential Golf Estate in Rivers State, the value of the project estimated at circa N3billion.

Lucia Ekeh Esq.

Senior Associate

Lucia Ekeh is a Senior Associate in the Corporate-Commercial Practice Group of the Firm. Gifted with a keen eye for the big picture, Lucia is dedicated to safeguarding the commercial and business interests of her clients, primarily companies, with a focus on start-ups.

Her passion for corporate law, corporate and regulatory compliance, and the intricacies of business operations is evident in her role as a company secretary for various companies. Lucia consistently provides transactional advisory services, ensuring that her clients navigate legal complexities seamlessly.

Since joining the firm, Lucia has been instrumental in delivering top-notch company secretarial services on behalf of corporate clients. Her commitment to ensuring compliance with corporate regulations has been unwavering. Her expertise spans a wide range of industry sectors, including government and governance, banking, finance, fintech, construction and infrastructure, power, real estate, health, logistics, foods and beverages, hospitality, retail, among others.

Lucia obtained her Bachelor of Laws Degree from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, and was subsequently admitted to the Nigerian Bar, following requisite training at the Nigerian Law School.

Charles Ikpe Esq.

Associate

Charles Ikpe is an Associate in the Firm’s Dispute Resolution and Corporate & Commercial Practice Groups. He is a seasoned legal professional specializing in Family (Matrimonial Causes), Corporate Commercial Transactions and Dispute Resolution.

With a diverse skill set, Charles offers well-tailored and strategic advice to clients, whilst ensuring that his client's interests are adequately protected.

His expertise extends across various areas of law, allowing him to provide comprehensive and integrated legal solutions to his clients.

His commitment to excellence is evident in his meticulous approach to family law matters, corporate commercial transactions, as well as disputes in Court.

Before assuming his current role, Charles gained valuable experience working in different legal capacities, further enhancing his skills and knowledge. His proficiency in handling complex legal matters sets him apart as a trusted and reliable legal practitioner.

Charles obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree from Benue State University and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar, following requisite training at the Nigerian Law School.

Immaculate Offor Esq.

Associate

Immaculate Offor is an Associate at the firm, contributing her expertise to the Dispute Resolution, Corporate/Commercial and Energy & Environmental Law Practice Groups of the firm.

With experience and expertise in Environmental and Energy Law, Corporate and Commercial Law, and Intellectual Property Law, Immaculate offers clients a bouquet of comprehensive legal advisory and advocacy services. Her deep understanding of these complex areas enables her to navigate various legal challenges, provide strategic solutions and ensure that clients' interests are effectively protected.

Her passion for the law is evident in her proactive approach to client service. Immaculate is dedicated to staying abreast of the latest legal developments and trends, ensuring that her clients receive informed and current legal counsel. Her meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes make her a valuable asset to the firm and a trusted advisor to her clients.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Niger Delta University and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar after completing her training at the Nigerian Law School.

Immaculate Offor

Somkenechukwu M. Okechukwu Esq.

Associate

Somkenechukwu M. Okechukwu serves as an Associate in the Firm, contributing her expertise to both the Dispute Resolution and Corporate & Commercial Practice Groups. With a focus on Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources, Corporate & Commercial Law, Taxation, and Technology Law, Somkene consistently provides clients with advisory services, advocacy, and comprehensive documentation support. Possessing remarkable academic achievements, she earned her Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Nigeria and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar after completing her training at the Nigerian Law School.

Somkene's commitment to excellence is evident in her daily practice, where she goes above and beyond to safeguard and advance her clients' interests in various legal matters. Her dedication was acknowledged with the prestigious Director-General's Prize for achieving a First Class at the Nigerian Law School. Following this recognition, she contributed her legal acumen to the Office of the Honorable Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, further enriching her professional experience.

Izibetoyin Maccarthy Esq.

Associate

Izibetoyin Maccarthy is an Associate in the firm's Dispute Resolution, Corporate and Commercial, and Entertainment Law Practice groups.

Embarking on a journey fueled by dedication and passion, she exemplifies creativity, commitment and expertise as a lawyer. She holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Edwin Clark University and was admitted into the Nigerian Bar, following her completion of requisite legal training at the Nigerian Law School.

Driven by curiosity and a genuine interest in the law, Izibetoyin’s belief in the power of justice and the rule of law permeates every aspect of her practice. Combining knowledge of law and creativity with practical acumen, Izibetoyiin offers excellent representation in advocacy and legal advisory services, and she is committed to achieving the best outcomes while upholding fairness and equity.

Izibetoyin's practice focuses on Litigation, Corporate & Commerical and Entertainment Law.

Izibetoyin Maccarthy
Blessing Igiri

Blessing Igiri

Executive Secretary & Office Assistant

Blessing Igiri is the Executive Secretary & Office Assistant of the firm.

With very serious cognate experience in Human Resources and Office Administration, Blessing provides the leadership of the firm with the support to effectively administer the firm and run its daily operations.