The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank of prominent lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The suspension was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the commttee’s secretary, who doubles as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi following the committee’s 173rd general meeting held on June 23.
According to the LPPC, the decision was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all matters relating to the rank.
The committee stated that the suspension would remain in force until disciplinary proceedings against Ozekhome are concluded.
The LPPC added that Ozekhome’s suspension from using the rank “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.”
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It therefore directed Ozekhome to refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings.
The LPPC said it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and discipline within the legal profession stressing that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria must continue to command public confidence and respect.
Background
Although the statement did not disclose the specific complaints for which Ozekhome is facing disciplinary proceedings, the development comes amid his involvement in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom.
In September 2025, a UK property tribunal had reportedly indicted the senior lawyer over allegations that he used fraudulent documents to claim ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
The tribunal rejected Mr Ozekhome’s claim that the property was transferred to him in 2021 by a man identified as Tali Shani.
The tribunal also struck out evidence presented by Ozekhome, alleging improper conduct involving a witness identified as Tali Shani.
Following the judgment, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, announced that Nigerian authorities would review the issues arising from the case.
Criminal Charges and Re-arraignment
Pinnacle Daily reported that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) subsequently launched an investigation, while a 3 count criminal charges were later filed against Ozekhome over alleged forgery and the use of false documents connected to the property dispute. Ozekhome has denied any wrongdoing.
The charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, was filed by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, head of the agency’s High Profile Prosecution Department, and Ngozi Onwuka, Assistant Chief Legal Officer, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The charges include allegations of giving false information, using forged documents and attempting to deceive a public authority.
In the first count, the prosecution alleged that Ozekhome, in August 2021 in London, received the property at 79 Randall Avenue from one Shani Tali despite allegedly knowing that the transaction constituted a felony, an offence said to be contrary to Section 13 and punishable under Section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
In February, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) re-arraigned Ozekhome alongside Ponfa Useni, son of the late former military administrator Jeremiah Useni, over their alleged involvement in the London property dispute.
The two defendants were re-arraigned before the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on a 12-count charge bordering on forgery and impersonation.
The re-arraignment followed an amendment to the original charge, which had initially listed Ozekhome as the sole defendant. The amended charge subsequently added Ponfa Useni as the second defendant.
Ozekhome’s Legal Career
During his legal career spanning about 45 years, Ozekhome has been involved in several high-profile constitutional, electoral and human rights cases, representing former governors, pro-democracy activists and public figures in matters that shaped Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
He was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2009, marking 17 years as a holder of one of the highest honours in Nigeria’s legal profession, a distinction reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence and distinction in legal practice.
About the LPPC
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is the body responsible for conferring the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Established under the Legal Practitioners Act of 1975, the committee also regulates SAN holders and oversees disciplinary matters involving recipients of the prestigious title.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.