BREAKING: LPPC suspends Mike Ozekhome from using SAN Rank pending disciplinary proceedings

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Mike Ozekhome, from using the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, following the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23.

According to the statement, the suspension was approved 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.

The committee explained that the action is connected to disciplinary proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related matters under consideration.

The LPPC said the temporary suspension was necessary to preserve the integrity, dignity and prestige of the SAN rank while the disciplinary process runs its course.

“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 statement read.

Ozekhome, one of Nigeria’s most prominent legal practitioners, has built a reputation over the years through his involvement in high-profile constitutional, political and human rights cases.

The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria remains the highest distinction conferred on legal practitioners in the country, reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional professional excellence and contributions to the legal profession.

The LPPC, which is responsible for conferring and regulating the SAN rank, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining ethical 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 added.

The suspension will remain in effect until the disciplinary proceedings against Ozekhome are concluded and a final determination is reached by the committee.

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