ABUJA — One of Nigeria’s most prominent constitutional lawyers and human rights activists, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has been suspended from the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC)—the disciplinary body responsible for the elite title—withdrew the rank during its 173rd general meeting.
A statement released by the committee’s secretary and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabiru Eniola Akanbi, stated that the action was taken under guidelines governing the professional conduct of top-tier lawyers.
The suspension is a major blow to the high-profile academic and advocate, who is a household name in Nigeria for his involvement in landmark constitutional cases and civil rights activism.
‘Preserving legal integrity’
According to the judicial authorities, the suspension is an interim measure pending the outcome of ongoing disciplinary proceedings before the LPPC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee.
The committee explained that the drastic step was necessary to “safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige” of the SAN rank, which is the Nigerian equivalent of a King’s Counsel (KC) in the United Kingdom.
Under the terms of the disciplinary action, Professor Ozekhome is strictly barred from appearing in court as a Senior Advocate or presenting himself as a holder of the title until a final verdict is reached.
“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession,” the statement added.
The specific allegations triggering the investigation have not yet been made public. Professor Ozekhome has not yet issued a formal response to the suspension.
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