LPDC ruling on Benjamin Kalu sparks calls for security probe over NYSC petition

Two civil society groups, the Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) and the Freelance Journalists Federation (FJF), have called for a detailed investigation following the ruling of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) which affirmed that Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, did not participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) while at the Nigerian Law School.

The groups said security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, should investigate individuals behind the petition that raised questions over Kalu’s NYSC status.

The controversy began after a petition submitted by lawyer John Aikpokpo Martins requested that authorities examine Kalu’s records relating to his legal education and alleged NYSC participation.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, conveners of the groups, Solomon Semeka and Ibrahim Akawe Joseph, described the issue as politically motivated, alleging that it may be connected to early manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.

According to them, a similar petition had earlier been presented before the LPDC, but was dismissed after the committee found no substance in the allegations.

They argued that the renewed public attention on the matter appears aimed at tarnishing the image of the Deputy Speaker and misleading the public.

The groups further disclosed that they would formally petition security agencies to identify and sanction anyone found to be spreading false claims or engaging in deliberate defamation.

They also urged Nigerians to verify sensitive information before circulating it on social media or other public platforms.