CJN swears in 68 SANs, warns against misconduct
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), warning that the prestigious legal rank does not place its holders above professional discipline or accountability.
The ceremony took place on Monday at the Supreme Court in Abuja during a special court session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
The newly elevated practitioners comprise 67 advocates and one academic, following their approval by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session on 23 July 2026.
Addressing the recipients, Kekere-Ekun described the conferment as a call to greater responsibility, leadership and service to the legal profession rather than merely a recognition of professional achievement.
She urged the new SANs to demonstrate humility, integrity and respect for professional ethics, stressing that their conduct must reflect the dignity associated with the rank.
The CJN also reminded the recipients of disciplinary measures taken against senior members of the profession during the preceding Legal Year, warning that professional distinction offered no immunity from accountability.
She encouraged them to serve as role models for younger lawyers and contribute meaningfully to strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is among the highest professional distinctions awarded to legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional ability in advocacy or legal scholarship.
Among those elevated were Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu, Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor, Godwill Achibong Umoh, Sunday Samuel Obende, Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, Jimson Ejovi Okodaso, Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John and Olaotan Thomas Olusegun.
Others include Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed, Hakeem Obafemi Agaba, Bimbo Felix Atilola, Faruk Abdullah, Sagir Gezawa Suleiman, Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko, Umaru Yunusa and Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.
Before the ceremony, the LPPC had directed successful applicants to undergo a mandatory induction programme and comply with professional guidelines governing publicity and congratulatory advertisements relating to their elevation.
The committee also emphasised the importance of maintaining the ethical standards expected of holders of the rank.
The swearing-in formally admits the recipients into the Inner Bar, placing upon them heightened professional expectations in advocacy, legal scholarship and the administration of justice.