Jacob Johnson Usman, SAN was born on April 12, 1976, in Otih No. 1, Omala Local Government Council of Kogi State. He embarked on an impressive academic and professional journey, marked by perseverance and dedication. His educational foundation was established at L.E.A. Ibado-Akpacha for his primary education from 1982 to 1986. Subsequently, he attended Ife Community Secondary School Ibado-Akpacha, where he secured his Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1993.
Driven by a desire to serve his country in the military, J.J. Usman, SAN, diligently attempted the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exams multiple times, showing his unwavering commitment. His strong ambition led him to forego pursuing a university education if NDA admission was unattainable. Despite several unsuccessful NDA attempts from 1993 to 1998, Usman took control of his destiny and enrolled in the School of Preliminary Studies (SPS) Keffi, Nasarawa State. In 1998, he successfully completed the Interim Joint Matriculations Board (IJMB) Examinations, opening the doors to his future academic pursuits.
His resilience paid off in 1999 when the University of Jos granted him admission to study Law in the Faculty of Law. He graduated with a second class upper division in 2004. Following this achievement, he joined the prestigious Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus, and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar on October 8, 2005.During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program between 2006 and 2007, he served as a Prosecutor with the Nigerian Police in the Akure Command. Following this, he joined Yunus Ustaz Usman (SAN) & Co. (Nana Chambers) in Kaduna in March 2007, where he underwent his pupilage.
In June 2015, Usman established his law firm, J.J. Usman & Co. (OJOCHOGWU CHAMBERS), in Abuja, where he currently serves as the Principal Partner. Seeking further knowledge, he earned his Master of Law (LL.M) degree in 2010 from the University of Jos, and he is presently a Ph.D. student at the same institution.As a private Legal Practitioner, Usman has been extensively involved in diverse cases including controversial, constitutional, civil, commercial, election petition, and criminal cases. He has made appearances in all superior Courts of Record in over 30 States in Nigeria, including Abuja, FCT. His dedication and contributions to the legal profession were recognized when he was honored with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) on December 8, 2021, after 45 years of age and 15 years of legal practice. Usman is not only a legal practitioner but also a social commentator, public analyst, and philanthropist. His philanthropic endeavors have endeared him to the community wherever he resides.
J.J. Usman, SAN, has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions, including accolades from academic institutions, student associations, and organizations such as the International Federation of Female Lawyers Association (FIDA). He is a member of several esteemed professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association (IBA), African Bar Association (AFBAR), and more. He has actively participated in various training programs and workshops, enhancing his legal expertise and understanding. In his personal life, Usman is happily married to Vanessa Mercy Usman, and their union is blessed with three children: David, Karisma, and Pison. His journey showcases resilience, commitment, and a determination to excel in both his profession and philanthropic endeavors.