Solicitor General Suspended Pending Disciplinary Proceedings
Prominent Solicitor General Mike Ozekhome has been suspended from his position as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) while disciplinary proceedings are underway. The Lawyers Privileges Commission (LPPC) announced the decision in a statement released by Supreme Court Recorder and LPPC Secretary Kabir Akanbi on Wednesday.
Details of the Suspension
The suspension was formalized during the LPPC’s 173rd general meeting, held on June 23. The decision aligns with Article 26, Section 6 of the Guidelines for the Award of the SAN rank, which governs matters pertaining to this distinguished title. Akanbi emphasized that the suspension will remain in force until the disciplinary proceedings led by the LPPC’s Disciplinary and Ethics Subcommittee are concluded.
Maintaining Integrity in the Legal Profession
Akanbi noted that this action aims to protect the integrity and prestige associated with the SAN title while allegations against Ozekhome are being assessed. The statement stressed that Ozekhome must refrain from presenting himself as a Senior Barrister of Nigeria during this period.
LPPC’s Commitment to Professional Standards
The LPPC reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession. The organization aims to ensure that the rank of senior lawyer in Nigeria continues to earn public trust and respect.
Criminal Proceedings Against Ozekhome
The suspension coincides with ongoing criminal proceedings involving Ozekhome and others, related to the ownership of a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2. In February, the Attorney General’s Office and the Minister of Justice filed 12 new charges against him after dropping a previous case. These charges pertain to alleged forgery of international passports and other documents purportedly used to claim ownership of the aforementioned real estate.
Allegations of Conspiracy and Misrepresentation
The Federal Government claims that Ozekhome conspired with Pomfe Useni, known as Tali Shani, and the late General Jeremiah Useni to create and utilize fake Nigerian international passports bearing the name Tali Shani between 2020 and 2025. Prosecutors allege that these documents were employed to substantiate their claims regarding the property at 79 Randall Avenue.
Continuing Legal Challenges
Further complicating the case, the defendants are accused of misrepresenting Tali Shani as a fictitious individual to execute a power of attorney dated May 30, 2020, facilitating the property claims. Ozekhome is also alleged to have controlled £18,000 in rental income from this property in 2022, amid suspicions that it was acquired illegitimately using a false identity. Additional claims include the production of a bogus document titled “Request for Authentication of Nigerian Passport Number A07535463 in the possession of Mr. Tali Shani,” dated May 4, 2023, and supposedly issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service to bolster their property claims.
The charges levied against the defendants violate multiple sections of the Criminal Law Act 2009 and carry severe penalties. As the case progresses through the courts, no convictions have been recorded to date.
