68 lawyers join Nigeria’s inner bar as CJN confers SAN rank on advocates, academic

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has elevated 68 legal practitioners to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), admitting 67 advocates and a legal academic into the prestigious Inner Bar.

The newly elevated lawyers took their oaths on Monday at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja during a ceremony marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.

The conferment followed the approval of their applications by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), chaired by the CJN, after a screening process designed to assess professional distinction, advocacy experience and contributions to legal scholarship

Among the recipients is Kwara State Attorney-General, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, alongside former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) spokesperson, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, and former NBA Lagos Branch chairman, Alexander Nduka Muoka.

Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri emerged as the sole recipient under the academic category, in recognition of his contributions to legal scholarship and the development of the profession.

The SAN rank is one of the highest professional distinctions in Nigeria’s legal system. It recognises lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional competence in advocacy or made significant contributions to legal education and scholarship.

For the recipients, the elevation marks a major milestone in their careers, bringing increased professional recognition and heightened expectations regarding courtroom conduct, legal ethics and contributions to the administration of justice.

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The 68 successful candidates were approved at the LPPC’s 174th plenary session held on July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of Justice Kekere-Ekun.

The committee had initially shortlisted 89 applicants, comprising 77 candidates in the advocate category and 12 in the academic category.

Following the assessment process, 67 advocates and one academic were approved for elevation.

The successful candidates were subsequently directed to participate in a mandatory induction programme ahead of the formal conferment of the rank.

The induction formed part of the requirements for admission into the Inner Bar, preparing the recipients for the professional responsibilities associated with the distinction.

The LPPC also reiterated its restrictions on publicity relating to the conferment of the SAN rank, warning against congratulatory advertisements, goodwill messages and other notices concerning applicants’ nomination or elevation.

The committee said the restrictions were in line with the applicable Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023, adding that violations could attract appropriate sanctions.

The 2026 list includes four women: Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Igonikan Abiola Adekunle, Olujoke Enitan Aliu and Olamide Mojogbotoluwa Adekunle.

Their elevation highlights the participation of female practitioners in the uppermost ranks of Nigeria’s legal profession.

The recipients also represent different professional backgrounds, including private legal practice, public service, professional associations and academia.

The inclusion of a serving state attorney-general reflects the contribution of public-sector lawyers to legal practice and the administration of justice.

Beyond professional recognition, the SAN designation carries expectations of exemplary conduct, integrity and excellence in legal practice.

Members of the Inner Bar are expected to uphold the rule of law, maintain high ethical standards, contribute to jurisprudence and support the development of younger lawyers through mentorship.

Their responsibilities are particularly significant in a justice system where effective advocacy, sound legal interpretation and public confidence in the courts remain essential.

The ceremony coincided with the opening of the 2026/2027 legal year, bringing together judicial officers, senior lawyers and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice sector.

The admission of the new SANs formally concludes the selection process and places the 68 recipients among the country’s distinguished legal practitioners, with expectations that their expertise and professional conduct will contribute to strengthening the administration of justice.