The suspension of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Mike Ozekhome, has sparked fresh controversy as a group of lawyers called on the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) to immediately withdraw the decision until his ongoing court case is concluded.
The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) said the LPPC acted too early by suspending Ozekhome’s SAN rank while the matter is still before the court. The group argued that the action goes against the legal principle of sub judice, which discourages steps that could affect cases already being heard by a court.
The lawyers made the demand in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request sent to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who chairs the LPPC, and the committee’s Secretary. They also requested the minutes of the LPPC’s 173rd meeting where the suspension was approved.
According to ALDRAP, every Nigerian is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. The group warned that suspending Ozekhome before the final judgment could weaken public confidence in the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent for future cases.
The association also accused the LPPC of repeatedly taking actions on matters that are still pending before the courts. It said such decisions could undermine the independence of the judiciary and the fairness of ongoing legal proceedings.
ALDRAP warned that if its request is ignored, it may head to court to challenge the suspension. The group also appealed to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to intervene, claiming the LPPC’s actions raise serious concerns about due process.
The LPPC had announced Ozekhome’s suspension on June 23, 2026, saying the move was necessary to protect the dignity and integrity of the prestigious SAN rank while disciplinary proceedings continue.
The development has now opened a fresh legal debate over whether professional bodies should punish members before criminal or disciplinary cases are finally decided by the courts.
