The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the determination of disciplinary proceedings against him. The announcement was made by the committee’s secretary, Kabir Akanbi, who also serves as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, in a statement on Wednesday following the committee’s 173rd meeting held on Tuesday.
According to the LPPC, the suspension is authorized under Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the Rank. The committee stated that the action is pending the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee and other related proceedings.
Suspension Aimed at Protecting the Integrity of the SAN Rank
The LPPC emphasized that 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 committee directed Mr. Ozekhome to refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings.
“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession,” the statement read. “It added that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria must continue to command public confidence and respect.”
Background: Forgery Allegations and London Property Dispute
Although the LPPC statement withheld specific details of the complaints against Mr. Ozekhome, the senior lawyer has been in the spotlight in recent months due to his involvement in a contentious battle over a London property. He has been accused of forgery of documents, including a passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, in an attempt to claim ownership of a property at 79 Randall Avenue, North London.
In September 2025, a UK property tribunal dismissed Mr. Ozekhome’s claim over the property, finding that the case was built on forged documents and impersonation. The tribunal rejected his assertion that the property was transferred to him in 2021 by a man identified as Tali Shani.
Criminal Prosecution in Nigeria
Following the UK tribunal’s ruling, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, announced that Nigerian authorities would examine the issues raised by the case. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) subsequently opened an investigation, and criminal charges were filed against Mr. Ozekhome.
In February 2026, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation re-arraigned Mr. Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni, son of a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, on 12 charges of forgery and impersonation before the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The re-arraignment followed an amendment of the initial charges, which had named Mr. Ozekhome as the sole defendant, introducing Ponfa as the second defendant. Mr. Ozekhome has denied any wrongdoing.
The SAN Rank and Its Significance
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is the highest distinction conferred on legal practitioners in Nigeria. It is awarded annually to lawyers and academics who have distinguished themselves in legal practice, legal scholarship, and contributions to the development of the law. The rank comes with several privileges, including a reserved seat in the inner bar of Nigerian courtrooms, priority attention to cases of the rank holder, special recognition during court sessions and formal events, and the wearing of a special silk gown different from that of other lawyers.
The LPPC is the body responsible for conferring the SAN rank and preserving its dignity and integrity. The committee oversees the selection process, considers petitions and complaints relating to the rank, and may suspend or withdraw the privilege in appropriate cases in accordance with its guidelines.
