LPPC suspends Ozekhome’s SAN rank over disciplinary probe

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank of prominent constitutional lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome. This decision, made at the LPPC's 173rd General Meeting on June 23, 2026, is effective pending the resolution of ongoing disciplinary proceedings against him.

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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.

In a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, the committee emphasized that the suspension aims to safeguard the "integrity, dignity, and prestige of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria." Ozekhome has been directed to cease presenting himself as an SAN during this period.

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pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

The suspension comes amid a series of legal challenges faced by the lawyer. Earlier this year, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission filed criminal charges against Ozekhome, alleging fraud and forgery in connection with a disputed property in London. A UK First-tier Property Tribunal previously dismissed claims related to the property, citing evidence of "fraud, impersonation, and forged documents."

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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.”

Further complicating matters, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of the London property to the Federal Government in March, as no claimant successfully established ownership. The LPPC stated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and ensuring public confidence in the legal profession and the SAN rank.

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upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession,” and to “ensuring that the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect.”