Mike Ozekhome Loses SAN Privileges As LPPC Opens Disciplinary Review
Senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome has been temporarily stripped of his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) privileges after the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) announced disciplinary action against him.
The committee said the decision followed an ongoing investigation into issues relating to the conduct of the prominent constitutional lawyer, prompting a temporary suspension of the prestigious title.
The resolution was reached during the LPPC’s latest meeting where members considered matters connected to the disciplinary process currently pending before the body.
Under the directive, Ozekhome is barred from using the SAN title publicly until the committee concludes its review and reaches a final decision on the matter.
The LPPC explained that the action was taken in line with regulations guiding the award and continued use of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title.
According to the committee, the temporary suspension is necessary to preserve public trust and maintain the integrity attached to one of the highest honours within Nigeria’s legal profession.
The legal body also made it clear that the suspension does not amount to a final verdict, stressing that investigations are still ongoing and the lawyer retains the right to defend himself during the process.
The development has generated reactions across the legal community, given Ozekhome’s long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most prominent human rights and constitutional lawyers.
Observers say the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings could have wider implications for professional accountability within the country’s legal system.
Attention now shifts to the committee’s final decision as legal practitioners closely monitor one of the biggest disciplinary cases involving a holder of the SAN rank in recent times.