The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against him.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, following the LPPC’s 173rd General Meeting held on June 23.

According to the committee, the suspension was approved under Paragraph 26(6) of the guidelines regulating the conferment and administration of the SAN rank.

The LPPC stated that the suspension would remain in effect until the conclusion of proceedings before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, as well as any related matters.

“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 statement said.

It further directed Ozekhome to cease presenting or holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria until the disciplinary process is concluded.

Ozekhome is currently facing trial alongside Ponfa Useni, son of the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jeremiah Useni, over allegations of using a forged Nigerian passport in connection with a disputed property case in the United Kingdom.

The two were arraigned in February before Justice Chizoba Oji of the FCT High Court in Maitama on a 12-count charge. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N10 million each, with one surety in like sum.

The case centres on a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London, which became the subject of competing ownership claims.

Ozekhome maintained that he received the property as a gift from an individual identified as “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021, while another claimant, “Ms Tali Shani,” was represented as the rightful owner.

During proceedings before the UK First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), a witness identified as “Mr Tali Shani” testified in support of Ozekhome’s claim, asserting that he had authority over the property and had transferred ownership to the senior lawyer.

However, witnesses supporting “Ms Tali Shani” tendered several documents, including an obituary notice, National Identification Number card, ECOWAS passport and other records, to establish ownership.

The tribunal later found the documents submitted on behalf of “Ms Tali Shani” to be fraudulent and ultimately dismissed all claims to the property, ruling that neither “Mr Tali Shani” nor “Ms Tali Shani” existed.