Lawyers want the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee to reverse its decision. They're asking the LPPC to lift Mike Ozekhome's suspension as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, or SAN.
Ozekhome faces prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offenses Commission, which is now handled by the Attorney General of the Federation. His case is still ongoing in court.
Last June, the LPPC suspended Ozekhome's SAN rank at its 173rd general meeting. Kabir Akanbi, the Supreme Court's Chief Registrar and LPPC Secretary, announced the decision in a statement.
According to Akanbi, the suspension protects the honor and standing of the SAN rank. It follows Paragraph 26(6) of the SAN conferment guidelines, the LPPC noted.
But lawyers affiliated with the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners think differently. They filed a Freedom of Information request arguing the suspension violates legal principles.
The suspension violates the sub-judice rule, ALDRAP says. This rule prevents decisions on matters currently before the courts.
Jesse Williams Amuga, ALDRAP's Administrative Secretary, signed the FOI request. It was directed at the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the LPPC Secretary.
"Any Nigerian lawyer with basic legal knowledge understands this suspension is improper," the request stated. The lawyers pointed out that Ozekhome's ICPC case started in February 2026.
His trial is happening at the High Court in Abuja's Federal Capital Territory. Yet the LPPC went ahead with suspension despite the pending lawsuit.
ALDRAP demanded copies of the LPPC meeting minutes from June 23, 2026. They also want documentation explaining the suspension's legal justification.
The association made a serious threat in its letter. If the LPPC doesn't comply, ALDRAP will pursue legal action against the committee.
"We will instruct our lawyers to file a lawsuit," the request warned. This is meant to protect the association's rights.
ALDRAP also escalated the matter internationally. They called on the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights to intervene in Nigeria.
The association claims the LPPC is threatening judicial independence. Such actions undermine the rule of law, according to ALDRAP.
This isn't the first time, the lawyers argued. The LPPC has repeatedly acted on matters that are still in court, they said.
Ozekhome is a prominent human rights lawyer and constitutional expert. His suspension has drawn significant attention within Nigeria's legal community.
The LPPC's move came under disciplinary proceedings before its own sub-committee. Those proceedings remain ongoing at the committee level.
Legal experts have been divided on whether the suspension was appropriate. Some agree with ALDRAP's position about the sub-judice rule.
The dispute highlights tensions between professional regulatory bodies and court processes. It also raises questions about timing and fairness in disciplinary matters.
ALDRAP's stance reflects broader concerns among Nigerian lawyers. Many worry about protecting due process rights during ongoing litigation.
The next steps remain unclear as the matter unfolds. Much depends on whether the LPPC responds to the FOI request.
