AGBARERE: ALFA BECOMES A SILK

Shuaib Agbarere’s Journey from Islamiyyah classrooms to the inner Bar becomes a celebration of grit and excellence

Colleagues, jurists pour tributes as Kwara-born Alfa Islamic cleric joins inner bar

By Abdulfattah Abdussalam and Abdullahi Yusuf

It was celebration galore on Monday, September 29, 2025, as the Supreme Court Complex, Abuja, played host to the conferment and swearing-in of 57 newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), with family members, associates and eminent jurists thronging the venue to witness the historic occasion.

Among the recipients of the prestigious silk is Shuaib Mustapha Agbarere, FCIPMN, an illustrious son of Kwara State, whose induction into the inner bar was hailed as a testament to academic excellence, legal integrity and professional distinction.

The investiture was conducted by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who charged the new SANs to uphold the finest traditions of the legal profession and remain ambassadors of justice.

Dream come true: Road to the silk

For Mallam Shuaib Mustapha Agbarere, the journey to silk did not follow the conventional pathways. His story, PEACE Magazine gathered, is a case study for those who want to be self-made.

Born in Ilorin, he did not attend a conventional secondary school but rather immersed himself in the Islamiyyah classes, a learning process akin to the almajiri mode, where Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic knowledge were taught through traditional methods.

At the beginning, his dream was simply to become an Islamic cleric, perhaps an Imam, Mu’azzin, Mufassir, or itinerant preacher. He passed through all levels of Islamiyyah in Ilorin, complementing his Islamic studies with knowledge of prophetic medicine and Islamic therapy.

Yet his passion for knowledge drove him further. He self studied and passed the required subjects to gain admission into higher institutions, eventually securing a place at the College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies before fulfilling a lifelong ambition to study law. His admission into Bayero University, Kano, was a defining moment, especially for a young man whose foundation was steeped in Islamic learning, especially Kano, which is to many young Muslims in Southern Nigeria and Ilorin particular, was a city of profound Islamic knowledge.

In the early years of his practice, he worked closely with Islamic organisations and scholars, preaching pristine Islam and contributing to missionary work. It is on record that he played sterling roles as a pioneering member of the Missionary arm of the Islamic Brotherhood of Nigeria (ISBON), and served as missioner to several Islamic groups in Abuja and Ilorin. On radio and television, he was a familiar voice, lecturing on Islamic values.

Today, with the coveted silk, Agbarere stands as a pride to the cadre of “Alfas” and a shining example of the Ile-Kewu style of education, proving that the road less travelled can still lead to the highest rungs of the legal profession. When not in the robes of a lawyer, he will adorn turban

Celebration and tributes

Following the solemn courtroom proceedings, family, friends and colleagues later gathered in Abuja for a colourful reception in honour of Agbarere, where the atmosphere turned lively and celebratory.

The event drew a galaxy of legal icons, public officers and dignitaries. Leading the tributes was Justice Ishaq Usman Bello, Chief Judge of the FCT, who extolled the virtues of the new silk, recalling in lighter mood how Agbarere’s jubilant dance steps on arrival at the venue reflected the depth of joy in attaining the pinnacle of the profession. “On a serious note, today we are celebrating a man of perseverance, focus and great dedication,” he added.

Mallam A.U. Mustapha, SAN, likened the elevation to “scoring a World Cup winning goal,” describing Agbarere as humble, hardworking and ambitious. He recalled how the celebrant, once introduced to his law office without formal interviews, quickly distinguished himself through commitment and brilliance.

In his tribute, Justice Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru lauded Agbarere as a “legal mind with uncommon depth and clarity of thought, whose rise to the inner bar is richly deserved.” He urged younger lawyers to emulate his discipline, scholarship and devotion to justice.

Speaker after speakers recalled fond memories and professional encounters with the new SAN, underscoring his dedication to both law and Islamic scholarship.

The reception climaxed with prayers, goodwill messages and a toast to the celebrant, as laughter and camaraderie filled the air late into the evening.

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