By Daily Review Online
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pending the determination of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The committee announced that the suspension was effected 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 prestigious legal title.
According to the LPPC, the decision will remain in force until the final determination of disciplinary proceedings currently before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as other related proceedings.
The committee said the action was necessary to protect the integrity, dignity and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while the allegations and issues under review are thoroughly examined.
“As a consequence of the suspension, 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 stated.
The committee reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics, discipline and integrity within the legal profession, noting that the SAN rank must continue to command public confidence and respect.
Ozekhome, a constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2010. He was among 19 distinguished legal practitioners admitted into the prestigious Inner Bar that year.
The LPPC did not provide further details regarding the nature of the disciplinary proceedings currently pending against the senior lawyer.