CJN Swears In 68 New SANs, Warns Against Professional Misconduct
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria, urging them to uphold professional ethics and remain accountable despite attaining one of the country’s highest distinctions in the legal profession.
The ceremony took place at the Supreme Court in Abuja during a special session marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.
The new recipients comprise 67 practising advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, whose elevation recognises his contributions to legal scholarship.
Addressing the new SANs, Kekere-Ekun said the rank carried responsibilities beyond professional recognition, urging them to demonstrate integrity, humility and leadership in their dealings within and outside the courtroom.
She also warned that attaining the prestigious rank did not place its holders above accountability.
According to Channels Television, the CJN cited disciplinary actions involving senior members of the legal profession during the preceding legal year as a reminder that professional distinction must be accompanied by ethical conduct.
The recipients are expected to uphold the standards associated with the rank and serve as examples to younger members of the Bar.
The swearing-in followed the approval of the 68 recipients by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja on July 23, 2026.
The committee, chaired by the CJN, approved their elevation after considering their applications under the applicable guidelines for the conferment of the rank.
A statement issued by Kabir Eniola, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, identified 67 of the recipients as advocates and Professor Obiaraeri as the sole academic among the successful candidates.
Before the ceremony, the committee directed successful applicants to complete a mandatory induction programme.
It also reminded the recipients of the professional rules governing advertisements, congratulatory messages and goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment.
The restrictions are contained in the applicable Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023.
The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a distinguished professional title conferred on eligible legal practitioners who meet the required standards in advocacy or legal scholarship.
The swearing-in of the new recipients formed part of activities marking the opening of the 2026/2027 legal year.
