LPPC bars Ozekhome from using SAN title

Prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome has been suspended from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings and other legal matters involving him.

The decision was taken by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee at its 173rd general meeting held on June 23, 2026. In a statement signed by LPPC Secretary Kabir 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 matters relating to the rank.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings,” the statement said. “Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome, shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.”

The committee said the suspension was intended to protect the integrity and prestige of the SAN rank while the matters under review are being resolved. “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 added.

The LPPC noted that disciplinary proceedings involving Ozekhome are currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee. In addition to the disciplinary matter, Ozekhome and co-defendant Ponfa Useni are facing prosecution before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama.

The two are being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over allegations that include forgery of documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, as well as alleged impersonation in connection with claims to a London property reportedly linked to the late Jeremiah Useni.

The LPPC reiterated its commitment to maintaining professional standards within the legal profession. “The LPPC remains committed to 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,” the statement said.