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Zaiyanu Usman: A Rising Star in Nigeria’s Legal Profession Honoured as Senior Advocate of Nigeria



By Keke.

At just 42, Barrister Zaiyanu Usman has joined the revered ranks of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), the pinnacle of recognition in the country’s legal profession. His elevation is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration to young lawyers across Nigeria who aspire to excellence in advocacy, jurisprudence, and public service.

Born on February 21, 1983, in Yola-North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Usman’s journey to the prestigious silk has been defined by resilience, hard work, and a passion for justice. After obtaining his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Maiduguri in 2005, he proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, where he was called to the Bar in 2011 as a Barrister, Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His quest for deeper knowledge led him to Bayero University, Kano, where he bagged a Master’s degree in Business and Commercial Law in 2014.

Usman’s career path is as diverse as it is impressive. He cut his teeth during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Ministry of Justice in Minna, Niger State, before briefly practicing with A.A. Gulak & Co. in Jimeta, Yola. His talent for litigation and policy work soon earned him a position as State Counsel at the Taraba State Ministry of Justice in Jalingo between 2013 and 2017, where he handled sensitive cases and provided legal representation on behalf of the state.

His rise through the ranks continued upon his return to Adamawa, where he served in different capacities—Legal Officer at the Ministry of Livestock, Senior State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice, and later Head of the Ganye Zonal Office. His steady climb culminated in his current role as Head of the Appeals Department, Ministry of Justice, Adamawa State, where he has been instrumental in shaping appellate practice and guiding legal processes for complex cases.

Over the years, Usman has built a reputation as a fearless advocate. He has successfully argued several landmark cases at the Supreme Court, among them Luka vs The State, Hamisu vs The State, Alhaji Wada vs The State, The State vs Alex, The State vs Jerry Gideon, The State vs Holy Boniface, and Tari Sabagi vs The State. These cases, many of which are now reported in the Nigeria Weekly Law Reports, highlight his exceptional skill in criminal jurisprudence and constitutional law.

Beyond the courtroom, colleagues describe Usman as a diligent mentor, a team player, and a legal mind committed to justice reform. His recognition as a SAN is seen not just as a personal achievement but as a reward for years of dedication to upholding the rule of law.

As Nigeria welcomes a new crop of silks into its legal community, the story of Zaiyanu Usman stands out. From humble beginnings in Yola-North to the hallowed inner bar, his journey reflects the promise of what is possible when passion meets perseverance.

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