The Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending disciplinary proceedings. Kabir Akanbi, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, announced the decision on Wednesday, stating it was reached at the committee's 173rd general meeting on June 23. The suspension was carried out under paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and related matters. SAN is one of the highest professional honours awarded to Nigerian legal practitioners for exceptional distinction.
The move follows Ozekhome's involvement in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom. A UK tribunal dismissed all evidence presented by the lawyer in a claim over a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, after finding indications of sharp practices. The property has been linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni of Plateau State. The tribunal reportedly found that Ozekhome acted in collaboration with a witness named Tali Shani and used fraudulent documents to support his claim.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged Ozekhome with three counts at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charge, filed as FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, was brought by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, head of the High Profile Prosecution Department, and Ngozi Onwuka, Assistant Chief Legal Officer, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges include giving false information, using forged documents, and attempting to deceive a public authority. Count One alleges that in August 2021, Ozekhome received the London property from Tali Shani, knowing the act constituted a felony under sections 13 and 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Mike Ozekhome holds the rank of SAN while facing formal allegations of using forged documents in a foreign property dispute. The LPPC's decision to suspend him only after charges were filed raises questions about the timing of disciplinary action. If the UK tribunal already struck out his evidence over sharp practices, the integrity of his professional standing was already compromised. Nigerians who uphold the legal system expect accountability that matches the seriousness of the allegations.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
