LPPC suspends Ozekhome’s SAN rank over disciplinary probe

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has suspended the Senior Advocate of Nigeria rank of constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, pending the determination of disciplinary proceedings instituted against him.

The decision was reached at the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on 23 June 2026.

In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, and issued on Wednesday evening, the committee said the suspension was approved under Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The statement partly read, “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 committee explained that the decision would remain in force pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee and other related proceedings.

LPPC stated that the measure was necessary to preserve the integrity, dignity and prestige associated with the SAN title while ongoing matters are reviewed.

Committee issues directive

The committee directed Ozekhome to refrain from presenting himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria throughout the period of suspension.

LPPC also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional ethics and discipline within Nigeria’s legal profession.

The statement added that the committee remains committed to ensuring that the SAN rank continues to command public confidence and professional respect.

Legal proceedings

The suspension follows legal controversies involving Ozekhome in recent months.

In January, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission filed criminal charges against him over allegations of fraud and forgery connected to a disputed property located at 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London.

The matter was later taken over by the Attorney-General of the Federation, with prosecutors alleging that forged documents, including a Nigerian passport, were presented to support ownership claims.

The property dispute later attracted international attention after a UK First-tier Property Tribunal reportedly dismissed ownership claims advanced in the matter.

In March, the Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered the final forfeiture of the London property to the Federal Government after ownership claims were unsuccessful.