Isaac Samuel
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The decision was taken at the LPPC’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23, 2026, and was conveyed in a statement signed by the committee’s secretary and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the committee, 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 relating to the prestigious title.
The LPPC said the suspension would remain in force pending the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related proceedings involving the senior lawyer.
The committee explained that the measure was necessary to protect the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank while due consideration is given to the matters under review.
Consequently, Ozekhome has been directed to refrain from parading himself, presenting himself or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary process is concluded.
“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while due consideration is given to the matters under review,” the LPPC stated.
It reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession, stressing that the SAN title must continue to command public confidence and respect.
The suspension comes against the backdrop of ongoing disciplinary and criminal proceedings linked to a disputed property in London.
Ozekhome has faced allegations relating to the alleged forgery of documents, including a passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, in connection with ownership claims over a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, North London.
In September 2025, a United Kingdom property tribunal dismissed claims over the property and reportedly held that the case before it was founded on forged documents and impersonation.
The tribunal rejected claims that the property had been transferred to Ozekhome in 2021 by an individual identified as Tali Shani.
Following the ruling, the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation initiated a review of issues arising from the case, while Nigerian anti-corruption agencies subsequently launched investigations into the matter.
Earlier this year, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation re-arraigned Ozekhome alongside Ponfa Useni before an FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and impersonation. Both defendants have denied any wrongdoing.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is the highest honour conferred on legal practitioners in the country.
It is awarded annually to lawyers and legal scholars who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to legal practice, scholarship and the development of law.
Holders of the rank enjoy several privileges, including membership of the Inner Bar, priority recognition in court proceedings and the right to wear the distinctive silk gown reserved for Senior Advocates.
The LPPC is responsible for the conferment of the SAN title and the preservation of its integrity.
The committee also considers petitions and complaints relating to holders of the rank and may suspend or withdraw the privilege in appropriate circumstances in line with its guidelines.
