Gilbert Chukwudike Nonyelu QC (1914-1972)[1] was the First Federal Director of Public Prosecutions (Attorney General) of Nigeria (1960–1964) and one of the pioneers of the Nigerian Bar Association .

Nonyelu went to St Michael's primary school in Aba where his strong and unique academic abilities paved the way for him to be enrolled in the famous Hope Waddell Training Institute Calabar.

[3] Nonyelu set up a legal practice (Nwezidunma Chambers) in Port Harcourt[2] upon his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom.

[4] The main objective of the conference as outlined by the Chair, Mr Oliver Lyttleton, was the question of Nigeria's self-government.

[3][5][1] His role was mainly to institute and conduct prosecutions, assist in inquests and inquiries, to provide advice to investigators or to bring a matter to a close.

He felt that the change the government chose to introduce undermined the rule of law as it allowed for political interference in the administration of justice.

[3] The Nigerian Bar Journal 1980 reported that his resignation was in protest to the several politicians (including Chief Obafemi Awolowo) arrested on alleged treason.

[1] Nonyelu served on the Enugu Colliery (Iva Valley) massacre case alongside H.U Kaine, Rotimi Williams, H.O.

Nonyelu married Emily (Emilia) Aguta, a nurse trained by the Christian Missionary Society (CMS).