Effective immediately, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has mandated a change in professional titling at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. According to a circular dated July 13, 2026, and signed by Chief Registrar Kabir Akanbi, all legal practitioners, litigation staff, and registrars working with or appearing before the court must cease using “Barrister” before their names. The memo explicitly states that this prefix does not align with the expected standards of professionalism within the nation’s highest court. All affected persons are required to update their records, documents, and identification materials. Supervisors across all departments are now tasked with monitoring and enforcing this new rule.

In a move aimed at upholding strict professional standards, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered the removal of the title “Barrister” for all personnel at the Supreme Court. A recently publicized memo outlines that staff, lawyers, and court officials are no longer permitted to use “Barrister” as a prefix in any official documentation or activities linked to the court. The rationale provided is that using the title in this manner does not meet the decorum and professionalism expected at the country’s apex judicial body. The directive is effective immediately, with departmental heads responsible for ensuring all staff comply without delay.

The 25-year-old Ukraine international has been sidelined from competitive football since November 2024. He was provisionally suspended after an out-of-competition test, conducted while on international duty in October 2024, returned an adverse finding for the prohibited substance meldonium. The FA subsequently imposed a four-year ban, which Mudryk appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

On Friday, the FA confirmed that disciplinary proceedings were at an end. The resolution saw Mudryk accept a technical breach of anti-doping rules. Crucially, the agreement dictates a suspension equivalent only to the time he has already served, meaning he is eligible to return to competition immediately.

In a personal statement, Mudryk expressed immense relief at putting the ordeal behind him, calling it the “toughest spell of his career.” Reaffirming his innocence, he stated, “As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.“

Chelsea Football Club welcomed the outcome and confirmed its full support for the winger. “The Blues said they are looking forward to helping Mudryk “return to full fitness, back into the squad and back onto the pitch”.” Mudryk is expected to join the squad for their upcoming pre-season tour. He shared his “deep gratitude” to the club and his excitement for the “next chapter” of his career.

The FA provided new details on the confidential case, revealing that the sample contained a “low concentration” of meldonium. They also disclosed that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has updated its technical guidance regarding meldonium testing since Mudryk’s initial positive test.

While these changes are not retrospective, the FA acknowledged a significant point: if Mudryk’s sample had been subjected to the current, updated testing standards, “the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported” as an adverse finding. This admission sheds new light on the complex nature of the case that led to the final agreement.