Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the decision of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) to suspend Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him, warning that the move could set a troubling precedent for professional discipline in the country, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement signed On Monday, June 29, 2026 by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group argued that suspending Ozekhome before determining the petition against him raises serious concerns about due process, fairness and the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence.
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HURIWA said the action could create the impression that allegations alone are enough to warrant punitive measures, even before they have been tested through a fair and transparent process, a development it warned could undermine public confidence in disciplinary institutions.
The organisation acknowledged the LPPC’s responsibility to protect the integrity and prestige of the SAN rank but maintained that such credibility is best preserved when disciplinary proceedings strictly adhere to the principles of fairness, impartiality and due process.
According to HURIWA, Nigeria’s legal system is founded on the principle that every person accused of wrongdoing is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, tribunal or other legally constituted adjudicatory body, stressing that this safeguard protects citizens and professionals from arbitrary punishment and institutional prejudice.
The group further argued that the legal profession, as a custodian of justice and constitutional rights, must ensure that its disciplinary mechanisms do not erode the very principles they are designed to uphold.
It recalled that in previous disciplinary cases involving senior members of the legal profession, sanctions were imposed only after the conclusion of proceedings and findings of culpability, noting that such an approach strengthens public confidence that disciplinary actions are based on established facts rather than unresolved allegations.
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HURIWA expressed concern that suspending the privileges attached to the SAN rank before the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings could be perceived as punishment before a final verdict, warning that such a perception risks weakening confidence in the fairness and objectivity of the legal profession’s disciplinary process.
The association therefore urged the LPPC to reconsider its decision and lift Ozekhome’s suspension pending the completion of investigations and the final determination of the petition against him.
It emphasised that its appeal was not intended to defend any alleged misconduct or interfere with the disciplinary process but was a principled call for strict adherence to due process and constitutional safeguards.
According to HURIWA, preserving the integrity of the SAN rank and protecting the constitutional rights of those who hold it are not mutually exclusive objectives and can both be achieved through a disciplinary process that is transparent, fair and firmly rooted in the principles of natural justice.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
