LPPC Suspends Mike Ozekhome’s SAN Rank Over Pending Disciplinary Proceedings

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

The decision was reached at the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23, 2026, according to an official statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi.

The committee said the suspension was effected pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all Matters Pertaining to the Rank.

According to the LPPC, the action will remain in force pending the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related proceedings.

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

The committee directed Ozekhome to cease presenting himself or holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the pending matters are concluded.

“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 statement added.

The LPPC explained that the suspension was necessary to protect the integrity, dignity, and prestige associated with the coveted SAN rank while the allegations and disciplinary issues under review are being addressed.

It stressed that the action should not be construed as a final determination of guilt but rather as an interim measure aimed at preserving public confidence in the legal profession and the nation’s highest legal distinction for advocates.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional ethics, discipline, and accountability within the legal profession.

“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 noted.

The nature of the disciplinary allegations against Ozekhome was not disclosed in the statement.

The development marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions involving a holder of the SAN rank in recent years and is expected to generate widespread interest within Nigeria’s legal community.