The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has suspended prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, directing him to stop presenting himself as a holder of the prestigious title pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The LPPC announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Secretary, Kabir Akanbi, following the committee’s 173rd general meeting held on June 23, 2026.
According to the committee, the suspension was approved under Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all matters relating to the rank. It noted that the sanction would remain in force until the determination of disciplinary proceedings before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee and other pending cases involving Ozekhome.
The committee stated that the measure was intended to preserve the integrity, dignity and prestige associated with the SAN rank while ongoing proceedings are reviewed.
“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 statement said.
Apart from the disciplinary proceedings before the LPPC, Ozekhome is also standing trial alongside Ponfa Useni before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama. The duo is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation over allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation and attempts to lay claim to a London property allegedly acquired by the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Gen. Jeremiah Useni.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants forged several documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, in connection with the disputed property. Ozekhome has denied any wrongdoing.
The LPPC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within the legal profession, stressing that the SAN rank must continue to command public confidence and respect. It said the suspension does not amount to a final determination of guilt but is necessary to safeguard the credibility of the legal profession while investigations and court proceedings continue.
