LPPC suspends Mike Ozekhome’s SAN rank pending outcome of disciplinary proceedings

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the suspension of prominent lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, from the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.

The decision was reached during 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 in line with Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all Matters Pertaining to the Rank.

The measure, it noted, will remain in force until the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before the LPPC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related proceedings.

The LPPC explained that the action was necessary to preserve the integrity, dignity, and prestige associated with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while the allegations and issues under review are being examined.

As part of the suspension, Ozekhome has been directed to cease presenting himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary process is concluded.

“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 read.

It further stated that, “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.”

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The committee emphasized that the suspension does not amount to a final determination of the matters before it, but is an interim measure designed to protect the credibility of the SAN rank while investigations and disciplinary processes run their course.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining professional standards within the legal profession, the LPPC said it would continue to uphold ethics, integrity, and discipline among legal practitioners across the country.

“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 development marks a significant moment within Nigeria’s legal community, as the SAN rank represents the highest professional distinction for advocates in the country and is reserved for legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional competence, integrity, and contributions to the advancement of the legal profession.