By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has ordered the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome from the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against the prominent lawyer.
The decision was reached during the committee’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
The LPPC said the action was taken in line with the provisions of Paragraph 26(6) of the guidelines governing the conferment and regulation of the SAN title.
With the suspension now in effect, Ozekhome is prohibited from presenting himself or acting in any capacity as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary process is concluded.
The committee explained that the measure was necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of the SAN rank while allegations against the lawyer are being examined.
“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while due consideration is given to the matters under review,” the LPPC stated.
The development follows Ozekhome’s ongoing trial alongside Ponfa Useni, son of the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jeremiah Useni. Both men are facing charges connected to allegations of forgery and the use of a false Nigerian passport in relation to a disputed property in the United Kingdom.
The defendants were arraigned before the FCT High Court in Maitama earlier this year on a 12-count charge. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N10 million each.
The dispute centres on a residential property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London. Ozekhome claims the property was gifted to him in 2021 by an individual identified as “Mr Tali Shani.”
However, a competing claim was made by another party identified as “Ms Tali Shani,” leading to litigation before the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
During the proceedings, evidence was presented by both sides, including documents purporting to establish ownership of the property. After reviewing the materials, the tribunal reportedly found several of the documents tendered in support of the rival claim to be fraudulent.
In its ruling, the tribunal dismissed the competing claims and concluded that neither “Mr Tali Shani” nor “Ms Tali Shani” could be established as genuine persons connected to the property.
While the UK case generated widespread attention, the disciplinary and criminal proceedings involving Ozekhome in Nigeria remain unresolved, prompting the LPPC to suspend his SAN privileges until the relevant authorities reach a final determination.
