Honour for an Illustrious Son of Igala Kingdom: Barr. (Prince) Ben S. Ikani
The Igala Kingdom and indeed the entire Nigerian legal community rejoiced on Tuesday, 26th August 2025, as one of its finest, Hon. Barr. (Prince) Ben S. Ikani, was honoured at the 15th Public Lecture and Award Ceremony of Democracy Newsline Newspaper, the Eagle Eye Gauge of Achievers, held at the prestigious Merit House, Abuja.
This honour is not just an award but a celebration of an extraordinary life of service, integrity, and distinction. The Democracy Newsline team, known for its credible tradition of recognising true achievers, painstakingly selected this year’s recipients after thorough scrutiny of records, and Prince Ikani stood out as a man who has paid his dues to Nigeria and humanity.
Barr. Ikani, a prince of the great Igala Kingdom, graduated in Law from the University of Maiduguri. He distinguished himself early in his career as one of the pioneer prosecutors with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), where his brilliance and courage helped shape the agency into a formidable institution in the fight against narcotics. He rose steadily through the ranks and, at different times, served as Commander in difficult terrains such as Yobe and Ekiti States, where he successfully subdued entrenched cartels and brough drugs terrorists on their knees
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His sterling record attracted the attention of the Government of Kogi State under Governor Ibrahim Idris, who secured his services to strengthen the state’s judiciary as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. His reforms brought credibility and renewed confidence to the justice system in Kogi State.
It was this same uncommon legal excellence that compelled the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to request his deployment from NDLEA to confront the overwhelming backlog of financial crime prosecutions. As Director of Forensic Evidence and Crime Laboratory at the EFCC, Barr. Ikani displayed legendary work ethic, personally prosecuting and securing convictions against over 250 looters—an unprecedented feat that earned him both national and international acclaim.
His exceptional expertise transcended Nigeria’s borders, as the International Criminal Court at The Hague engaged his services, further cementing his legacy as a jurist of global repute.
Though retired from public service after a meritorious career, Barr. Ikani has not hung his wig. Today, he continues to contribute to justice delivery as Managing Solicitor of Citadel of Justice, his private law firm based in Games Village, Abuja.
The recognition bestowed on him by Democracy Newsline is, therefore, both timely and well-deserved. It reflects his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, his courage in the face of daunting challenges, and his enduring impact on Nigeria’s justice system.
The Igala Kingdom is proud of her illustrious son, whose towering achievements remind us that true greatness is built on integrity, service, and sacrifice.
