LPPC Suspends Mike Ozekhome’s SAN Rank Pending Disciplinary Probe

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while disciplinary proceedings against him continue.

Vanguard, Channels TV and Premium Times reported that the decision was taken at the committee’s 173rd general meeting held on June 23, 2026. The committee is the body responsible for conferring and regulating the SAN rank.

The statement announcing the decision was signed by Kabir Akanbi, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and secretary of the LPPC.

The LPPC said it acted under Paragraph 26(6) of the guidelines governing the conferment of the SAN rank and related matters. Channels TV reported that the disciplinary proceedings are before the committee’s Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee and other proceedings.

According to the statement quoted by Vanguard and Channels TV, Ozekhome must stop parading himself, presenting himself or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary proceedings are finally determined.

Premium Times reported that the LPPC statement did not give details of the complaints before the committee. It said the suspension comes amid ongoing disciplinary and criminal proceedings linked to a disputed London property, allegations Ozekhome has denied.

The committee said the measure was meant to protect the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank while the matters under review are considered.

The SAN rank is Nigeria’s highest professional distinction for lawyers and law academics. It comes with privileges in court practice, including recognition at the inner bar and priority attention during proceedings.

Sources: Vanguard, Channels TV, Premium Times, Punch