Amanze Chinonye
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent constitutional lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a rare disciplinary action that highlights growing scrutiny of ethical standards within Nigeria’s legal profession, Prime Business Africa reports.
The suspension, approved at the committee’s 173rd General Meeting on June 23, 2026, will remain in force pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings before the LPPC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee and other related legal processes.
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In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, the committee said the decision was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The LPPC said the action was necessary to preserve the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank while allegations against Ozekhome are being examined.
As a result of the suspension, Ozekhome is barred from using the SAN title or holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded.
Although the committee did not disclose the specific allegations that prompted the action, the suspension comes against the backdrop of an ongoing legal controversy surrounding a disputed London property and related criminal proceedings in Nigeria.
Ozekhome is facing charges alongside Ponfa Useni, son of the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni (retd.), over allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation and the use of allegedly falsified documents in connection with ownership claims to a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, North London. The senior lawyer has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The dispute, which has lingered for years, escalated after proceedings before a United Kingdom property tribunal reportedly questioned documents tendered in support of ownership claims. The findings subsequently became part of investigations that led to criminal proceedings in Nigeria, transforming what began as a property dispute into a matter with wider legal and professional implications.
The LPPC’s intervention is significant because the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria represents the highest professional distinction available to legal practitioners in the country and is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional advocacy, integrity and professional conduct.
Ozekhome, who was elevated to the SAN rank in 1998, is one of Nigeria’s most recognisable constitutional lawyers and public affairs commentators. His suspension therefore represents one of the most notable disciplinary actions involving a senior lawyer in recent years and is likely to reverberate across the legal community.
Legal observers note that the LPPC’s disciplinary process is separate from the criminal proceedings currently before the courts. Consequently, the committee is empowered to investigate whether the conduct of a SAN holder falls short of the ethical standards expected of the rank, regardless of the status of any criminal trial.
By imposing an interim suspension, the LPPC appears to be signalling that allegations capable of undermining public confidence in the legal profession will be subjected to scrutiny, irrespective of the stature of those involved.
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The development also underscores the increasing willingness of regulatory bodies within the justice sector to take proactive measures aimed at safeguarding the credibility of professional institutions while disciplinary matters are being determined.
The LPPC has previously exercised its disciplinary powers in matters involving holders of the SAN rank, reinforcing its mandate to uphold the standards associated with one of the most prestigious honours in Nigeria’s legal profession.
For Ozekhome, the suspension marks a significant professional setback, even as the disciplinary proceedings and related court cases remain unresolved. The outcome of the process could ultimately determine whether his SAN privileges are restored, further sanctions are imposed, or additional disciplinary measures are considered.
The LPPC maintained that the suspension is an interim measure and not a final determination of guilt, stressing that Ozekhome’s SAN status will be reviewed upon the conclusion of the disciplinary process and related proceedings.
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.
