By Peace Udugba
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The decision was reached at the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23, 2026, according to a statement issued by the LPPC Secretary and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Kabir E. Akanbi.
The committee said the suspension was approved in line with Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and other matters relating to the rank.
According to the statement, the suspension will remain in effect until the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before the LPPC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related proceedings.
The LPPC said the action was necessary to preserve the integrity, dignity and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while the issues under review are being resolved.
It directed Ozekhome to refrain from presenting or describing himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria throughout the period of suspension.
“The suspension is intended 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,” the statement read.
The committee reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession, adding that it remains focused on ensuring that the SAN rank continues to enjoy public confidence and respect.
Ozekhome is facing disciplinary proceedings over allegations that he used forged documents, including a Nigerian passport bearing the name “Shani Tali,” to support a claim of ownership of a disputed property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London.
The allegations formed the basis of a three-count charge previously filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing the senior lawyer of forgery, use of false documents and attempting to deceive a public authority.
However, the charges were later withdrawn by the Attorney-General of the Federation for further review, while related proceedings are said to be continuing before relevant authorities.
