Mike Ozekhome, a prominent senior lawyer, has lost his SAN rank temporarily. Kabir Akanbi, the Supreme Court's Chief Registrar, announced the suspension on Wednesday.
The Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee made the decision at its 173rd meeting. This happened on June 23, officials confirmed.
Ozekhome's suspension stays in place until disciplinary proceedings against him finish. Paragraph 26(6) of the SAN conferment guidelines authorized the action.
In Nigeria's legal world, the SAN rank stands among the highest honors. It goes to lawyers who've demonstrated exceptional distinction in the profession.
A disputed London property case triggered this development. Ozekhome faced allegations tied to real estate at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
A UK tribunal previously found him culpable of fraudulent conduct. He'd allegedly used fake documents to claim ownership of the property.
The property actually belonged to late General Jeremiah Useni. Useni was from Plateau State, sources close to the matter disclosed.
According to tribunal findings, the lawyer engaged in sharp practices. He collaborated with a witness named Tali Shani on the scheme.
Judges struck out all evidence he presented at the hearing. They cited fraudulent methods used to obtain and present the documentation.
Nigeria's ICPC brought charges against Ozekhome before a Federal High Court. The case was filed in Abuja under charge number FCT/HC/CR/010/2026.
Osuobeni Akponimisingha led the prosecution effort at the agency. Ngozi Onwuka, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer, joined as co-prosecutor.
They acted on behalf of the Attorney-General's office. The charges total three counts against the lawyer.
Count one accuses him of receiving a property fraudulently. In August 2021, he allegedly obtained the London house through deception.
He claimed Shani Tali had given him the property. Ozekhome knew this violated Nigerian law, prosecutors contend.
The first charge breaches Section 13 of the Corrupt Practices Act. If convicted, he faces penalties under Section 24 of that statute.
Other charges relate to forged documents and deception of authorities. Prosecutors allege he knowingly submitted false information to officials.
Ozekhome resides at No. 53, Nile Street in Maitama, Abuja. He is 68 years old, according to court documents.
His lawyers haven't yet responded to the suspension publicly. Legal circles await his response to these serious allegations.
