LPPC Suspends Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome Amid Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The Lawyers Privileges Commission (LPPC) has suspended Mike Ozekhome from his role as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) while disciplinary proceedings against him are pending.
This decision was communicated by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, following the commission’s 173rd general meeting held on June 23.
The LPPC indicated that the suspension is in accordance with Article 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Award of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria rank and all matters related to it.
The commission specified that the suspension will remain in place until the Disciplinary and Ethics Subcommittee concludes its proceedings and any related inquiries.
The statement emphasized that this action is intended to protect the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the Senior Bar in Nigeria, recognizing the sensitivity of the matters under examination. Ozekhome is required to refrain from representing himself as a senior barrister during this period.
Currently, Ozekhome is facing trial alongside Ponpha Useni, the son of the late former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Jeremiah Useni. They are accused of utilizing a fraudulent Nigerian passport in connection with a contested property matter in the United Kingdom.
In February, both were arraigned on 12 charges before Justice Chizoba Oji of the Maitama FCT High Court, where they pleaded not guilty and were granted bail set at NOK 10 million each, under the condition of having a surety of the same amount who owns property in the FCT.
The dispute centers on a claim of ownership concerning a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. Ozekhome, along with the late Useni, is among the parties involved in this contentious case, which has been filed with the Land Registry of the First Tier Tribunal (Property Court) in the United Kingdom under case number REF/2023/0155.
The ownership dispute was initiated by Tali Shani against Ozekhome, each party presenting conflicting claims to the London property. Ozekhome alleges that he received the property as a gift from Tali Shani in 2021, while Shani’s legal representative argues for her rights as the rightful owner.
A witness who identified himself as Tali Shani testified in favor of Ozekhome, claiming that he had granted Ozekhome a power of attorney regarding the property, which had since been transferred to a senior lawyer. Conversely, Tali Shani maintains that the property has been under her management since 1993, mentioning the late Useni as her long-time friend and business partner.
In support of her claim, witnesses on behalf of Tali Shani presented numerous documents, including obituary announcements, National Identification Number (NIN) cards, ECOWAS passports, and telephone records. However, the court determined that all documents presented on behalf of Tali Shani were forgeries, thereby dismissing the claims and affirming that no legitimate Tali Shani exists in relation to the case.
