LPPC suspends Mike Ozekhome’s SAN rank

Professor Mike Ozekhome, one of the country’s foremost constitutional lawyers and human rights activists, has been stripped of his coveted SAN title.

Ozekhome, a professor of law, was stripped of his SAN designation by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) during its 173rd General Meeting.

In a statement issued by the LPPC and signed by its Secretary, Mr. Kabiru Eniola Akanbi, the body indicated that the decision to strip Ozekhome of his SAN designation was done in accordance with Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the SAN Designation and other matters relating to the rank.

While doubling as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Akanbi further disclosed that the action was pending the conclusion of the disciplinary case against Ozekhome now before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC.

According to the statement, stripping of the Ozekhome of his SAN designation is to ensure the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the SAN designation.

LPPC, as a result, has barred Ozekhome from identifying himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

According to the statement, “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 SAN continues to command public confidence and respect.”