Mike Ozekhome Barred from Using SAN Title as LPPC Orders Suspension

Mike Ozekhome Barred from Using SAN Title as LPPC Orders Suspension

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank of prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against him.

The decision was taken during the LPPC’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23, 2026, and communicated in a statement signed by the committee’s Secretary and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Kabir Eniola Akanbi.

According to the committee, the suspension was approved pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, pending the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before the LPPC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee.

The LPPC stated that the action was necessary to preserve the integrity, dignity and prestige associated with the SAN rank while the allegations and related proceedings are being reviewed.

“The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd General Meeting held on 23 June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome from the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” the statement read.

The committee further directed Ozekhome to immediately cease presenting himself or holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary process is concluded.

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“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the LPPC added.

Although the committee did not disclose the specific allegations that prompted the suspension, the development comes amid ongoing legal controversies involving the senior lawyer. Reports indicate that Ozekhome is facing criminal proceedings linked to a disputed London property ownership case in which allegations of forgery, impersonation and the use of allegedly forged documents have been raised.

The senior advocate has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence regarding the allegations.

The case has attracted widespread attention within legal circles, particularly following reports that the Attorney-General of the Federation took over the prosecution of the matter. The dispute reportedly centers on ownership claims relating to a London property allegedly connected to the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni.

Legal analysts note that disciplinary action against holders of the SAN rank is relatively rare, making the LPPC’s decision one of the most significant professional sanctions involving a senior member of the legal profession in recent years.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title remains the highest professional distinction awarded to legal practitioners in Nigeria. The rank is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to legal practice, advocacy, scholarship and the advancement of the rule of law.

Ozekhome, a professor of law and one of Nigeria’s most recognizable constitutional lawyers, has built a distinguished legal career spanning several decades. He is widely known for his involvement in high-profile constitutional, electoral and human rights cases, as well as his vocal advocacy for democracy, civil liberties and judicial independence.

The LPPC emphasized that the suspension should not be interpreted as a final determination of guilt. Rather, it described the action as an interim measure designed to protect public confidence in the SAN rank while disciplinary proceedings continue.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect,” the statement added.

The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings is expected to determine whether Ozekhome’s SAN privileges will be restored or whether further sanctions may be imposed.

Mike Ozekhome Barred from Using SAN Title as LPPC Orders Suspension