LPPC Suspends Ozekhome’s SAN Rank Pending Disciplinary Proceedings

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 conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.

The decision was reached at the LPPC’s 173rd General Meeting and announced in a statement signed by the committee’s Secretary, Mr. Kabiru Eniola Akanbi, who also serves as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

According to the statement, the suspension was effected pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and matters relating to the prestigious title.

The LPPC explained that the measure would remain in force pending the final determination of proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee.

“The suspension is intended to protect the integrity, dignity and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” the committee stated.

As a consequence of the decision, Ozekhome has been barred from presenting himself or holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary process is concluded.

The committee, however, did not disclose details of the allegations underlying the disciplinary proceedings.

Reaffirming its commitment to professional standards, the LPPC said it remains dedicated to upholding ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession, while ensuring that the SAN rank continues to command public confidence, respect and prestige.

Ozekhome, a professor of law and one of Nigeria’s most recognisable legal practitioners, has been a prominent voice in constitutional law, civil liberties and democratic governance for decades.