The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, swore in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at a ceremony marking the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
The Nigerian Television Authority announced the development in a news flash on its official X account on Monday, sharing photographs and video footage of the ceremony.
The swearing-in followed the approval of the 68 nominees by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) about three months ago.
The committee endorsed their elevation during its 174th plenary session, which was chaired by Kekere-Ekun.
According to a statement by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Eniola, the recipients comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.
Obiaraeri was recognized for his contributions to legal scholarship, making him the only academic among the 68 newly elevated SANs.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest professional distinctions in the country’s legal system. It is awarded to lawyers who meet established standards of excellence in advocacy or legal scholarship.
New SANs warned against prohibited publicity
Before the conferment, the LPPC directed successful applicants to take part in a compulsory induction programme, with the date to be announced later.
The committee also reminded the new SANs of their obligations under paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023.
It cautioned them against publishing or encouraging advertisements, congratulatory messages and goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment.
The committee warned that violations of the rules could attract sanctions.
The annual legal year ceremony brings together members of the judiciary and the wider legal profession to mark the commencement of a new judicial year and recognize developments within the justice system.
