Chief Mike Ozekhome faces Ozekhome SAN suspension by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee pending disciplinary proceedings over ongoing legal troubles involving alleged fraud in a London property case
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has suspended the Senior Advocate of Nigeria rank of prominent constitutional lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome in Abuja, with the decision taken at the committee’s 173rd General Meeting on Tuesday 23 June 2026 and announced on Wednesday.
Chief Mike Ozekhome, a respected human rights advocate and silk of many years’ standing, must now desist from presenting himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria during the period of suspension, which remains in force pending the final determination of disciplinary proceedings before the committee’s Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee and other related matters.
In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, the committee emphasised that the measure was necessary “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.”
The LPPC reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession, ensuring that the SAN rank continues to command public confidence and respect.
This development comes amid a series of legal challenges for the 68-year-old lawyer in recent months, including criminal charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over allegations of fraud and forgery linked to a disputed property at 79 Randall Avenue in Neasden, London.
The case, which later involved the Attorney-General of the Federation, centres on claims that forged documents, including a Nigerian passport, were used to support ownership assertions.
A UK First-tier Property Tribunal had previously dismissed related claims, citing evidence of fraud, impersonation, and forged documents, while a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government in March.
Chief Mike Ozekhome has consistently maintained his innocence in these matters, describing the allegations as unfounded and part of broader attempts to tarnish his reputation as a defender of constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The suspension, taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, reflects the profession’s rigorous self-regulatory mechanisms even as the disciplinary process unfolds.
It highlights the delicate balance between protecting the esteem of the bar and ensuring fair hearings for its members.
Legal observers note that such actions, though uncommon, underscore the committee’s determination to preserve the prestige of the SAN title amid heightened scrutiny of high-profile practitioners. The coming weeks are expected to bring further clarity as proceedings advance.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
