The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Mike Ozekhome from the rank of senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against him.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kabir Akanbi, chief registrar of the Supreme Court, said the decision was taken at the committee’s 173rd general meeting held on June 23.
The LPPC said 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 relating to the rank.
According to the committee, the suspension will remain in force pending the final determination of disciplinary proceedings before its disciplinary and ethics sub-committee, as well as other related proceedings.
The committee said the decision was taken to protect the integrity, dignity and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while the issues under review are being considered.
The LPPC directed Ozekhome to refrain from parading himself, presenting himself or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
“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.
LPPC pledges professionalism
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professional ethics, integrity and discipline 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.
