LPPC Elevates Two EFCC Lawyers, Oyetibo, 84 Others To SAN

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, has approved the elevation of two EFCC prosecutors, Ekele Ihanacho and Mohammed Abba to the Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Also noted in the list is Chukwudi Enebeli of Kemi Pinheiro LP chambers, Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo and 84 others.

The coveted rank of SAN is awarded to members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselves as advocates and academics,

The announcement was made during the LPPC’s 164th plenary session, held on Thursday.

This elevation is a significant honour in the Nigerian legal profession, awarded to distinguished lawyers who have shown exceptional skill and dedication, both as advocates and academics.

The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Secretary of the LPPC, Hajo Sarki Bello, made the announcement, emphasising the high standards met by the new appointees.

“The rank of SAN is not just a title; it is a mark of excellence, a recognition of outstanding contributions to the legal field,” said Bello.

“These 87 individuals have demonstrated remarkable expertise and dedication, making them worthy of this prestigious honour.”

He added that the LPPC reviewed five petitions against some of the applicants, but found them lacking in merit and subsequently dismissed them.

“The Committee thoroughly investigated these petitions and determined that they did not substantiate any claims that would disqualify the applicants,” Bello explained.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new SANs is scheduled for Monday, 30 September 2024.

The list of honourees includes 86 advocates and one academic.

Among the advocate appointees, listed in order of seniority at the bar, are:

1. Lateef Olaseinde Karim
2. Godwin Tagbo Ike
3. Johnson Odionu
4. Nnodim Marcellinus Duru
5. Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia
6. Soronnadi Anthony Njoku
7. Adamu Abubakar
8. Charles Oyaole Musa
9. Udochi Nunny Iheanacho
10. David Dare Onietan
11. Elele Chinatu Casmir
12. Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka
13. Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta
14. Habeeb Orisavia Ilavbare
15. Moses Kolade Obafemi
16. Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor
17. Baba Fika Dalah
18. Babatunde Ademoye Sodipo
19. Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar
20. Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene
21. Henry Adedayo Bello
22. Boniface Chinedu Moore
23. Clement Amechi Ezika
24. Omokayode Adebayo Dada
25. Edwin Anikwem
26. Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze
27. Olumide Oniyire Olugbenga
28. Monday Onyekachi Ubani
29. Ayoola Olufemi Ajayi
30. Paul Chukwuma Obi
31. Olasupo Dominic Ati-John
32. Cole Segun Ololade
33. Charles Ayodeji Adeogun-Phillips
34. Okechukwu Kingsley Ajunwa
35. Jacob Ocheogbu Ifere
36. Emmanuel Aderemi Adekile
37. Christopher Ehumadu Okeke
38. Oluronke Adeyemi
39. Oluwole Olawale Afolabi
40. Toboukebide Kekemeke
41. Akinbamigbe Adesomoju
42. Victor Owarienomare Odjemu
43. Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune
44. Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun
45. Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim
46. Stanley Chidozie Imo
47. Charles Oladipo Titiloye
48. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar
49. Kingsley Chuku
50. Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi
51. Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi
52. Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir
53. Idowu Omotunde Benson
54. Kolawole James Olowookere
55. Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam
56. Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan
57. Omosanya Atilola Popoola
58. Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide
59. Emonye Oga Adekwu
60. Aderemi Oguntoye
61. Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun
62. Abdul Adamu
63. Theodore Okey Ezeobi
64. Rilwan Birnin Kebbi Umar
65. Chienye Ifeanyichukwu Okafor
66. Kaka Shehu Lawan
67. Abba Muhammed
68. Wendy Nwenenda Kuku
69. Ekele Enyinnaya Iheanacho
70. Okechukwu George Edeze
71. Akinyemi Oluwole Olujinmi
72. Gyang Yaya Zi
73. Idris Abubakar
74. George Ibrahim
75. Boonyameen Babajide Lawal
76. Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo
77. Tochukwu Peter Tochukwu
78. Uchenna Uzo Njoku
79. Paul Babatunde Daudu
80. Chukwudi Kachikwu Enebeli
81. Yusuf F. Olatunji Ogunrinde
82. Tobechukwu Kenechukwu Nweke
83. Ademola Kamardeen Abimbola
84. Yunus Abdulsalam
85. Mofesomo Ayodeji Tayo-Oyetibo
86. Chukwuemeka Agamadodaigwe Nnawuchi

The successful academic applicant is Prof. Ganiu Oke Adeyemi.

The elevation to the rank of SAN is a monumental achievement that not only highlights the individual excellence of these practitioners but also strengthens the entire legal profession in Nigeria.

As new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, these lawyers are expected to uphold the highest standards of the profession, serving as role models for their peers and the younger generation.