By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended prominent human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings instituted against him.
The decision was taken at the LPPC’s 173rd General Meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja and was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the Committee, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the LPPC, the suspension was necessary to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the prestigious SAN rank while disciplinary proceedings against Ozekhome are ongoing.
The Committee directed the senior lawyer to immediately cease presenting himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until a final determination is reached on the matter.
“Accordingly, 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 said.
The LPPC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards within the legal profession and ensuring compliance with the rules governing legal practice in Nigeria.
Ozekhome is currently facing trial alongside Ponfa Useni, son of the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt.-Gen. Jerry Useni.
The duo were arraigned before Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud linked to a disputed property belonging to the late military officer in the United Kingdom.
The prosecution accused Ozekhome of allegedly using a forged Nigerian passport in connection with claims over the UK property. The charges stem from a dispute surrounding the estate of the late Useni, a retired lieutenant-general who served in Nigeria’s military government.
The case remains before the court.
