LPPC approves suspension of Mike Ozekhome
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The decision was reached during the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23,2026.
A statement signed by Kabir E. Akanbi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, confirmed the development.
According to the committee, the action was taken under Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” the committee stated.
The LPPC also directed Ozekhome to stop presenting himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary process is concluded.
Disciplinary proceedings still ongoing
The committee explained that the suspension would remain in effect until its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee concludes its investigations.
The LPPC stressed that the measure does not amount to a final determination of guilt. Instead, it aims to protect the reputation of the legal profession while the matter remains under review.
“The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria must continue to command public confidence and respect,” the statement added.
In view of this development, the LPPC says 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 LPPC says it 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.
Legal observers say the decision marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions involving a senior member of the Nigerian Bar in recent years.
The development has generated reactions within legal circles, with many awaiting the outcome of the ongoing proceedings.
Chidi Anselm Odinkalu shares a copy of the statement suspending Mike Ozekhome.
This is a significant step by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, #LPPC, but I will refrain from any substantive comment pending the determination of the pending complaint before the Committee. pic.twitter.com/AVEr2swT7f
— Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) June 24, 2026
Ozekhome’s bizarre United Kingdom property, fake passport Saga
Meanwhile, on February 27, 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN, Ponfa Useni, and the late General Jeremiah Useni before the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The duo were in court over alleged forgery of documents and a Nigerian international passport to claim ownership of a property at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2.
The defendants face a 12-count amended charge including conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and false pretense. All pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution urged for an accelerated trial, citing the case’s gravity, while defense counsel requested bail on self-recognition, highlighting Ozekhome’s 45-year legal career and status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2010 and was one of the 19 senior legal practitioners elevated to the prestigious “Inner Bar” that year.
