By Peace Erewunmi

Foremost constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has bee suspended from using the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC). The decision was reached during the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the LPPC and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the committee explained that the suspension was approved pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

According to the LPPC, the action is temporary and will remain in force pending the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related proceedings.

The committee directed Ozekhome to refrain from presenting himself or holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria during the period of suspension. It stated that the measure was taken to protect the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the SAN rank while the issues under review are being resolved.

Although the LPPC did not specify the details of the disciplinary complaints in its statement, Ozekhome has recently been involved in legal disputes relating to allegations of forgery, impersonation, and ownership claims over a property in London. Some of these matters are currently before Nigerian courts.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of ethics, professionalism, and discipline within the legal profession, emphasizing that the SAN rank must continue to command public confidence and respect.

The suspension does not amount to a finding of guilt. The disciplinary process is still ongoing, and the final outcome will depend on the decisions reached by the relevant committees and courts handling the matters.