Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), admitting them into the prestigious Inner Bar as the 2026/2027 legal year begins.
The ceremony, held on Monday at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, followed the approval of the candidates by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), chaired by the CJN.
The new recipients comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, whose elevation recognises his contributions to legal scholarship.
Among the prominent recipients are Kwara State Attorney-General, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim; former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) spokesperson, Akorede Habeeb Lawal; and former NBA Lagos Branch chairman, Alexander Nduka Muoka.
Four women also made the 2026 list. They are Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Igonikan Abiola Adekunle, Olujoke Enitan Aliu and Olamide Mojogbotoluwa Adekunle.
The LPPC approved the successful candidates at its 174th plenary session held on July 23, 2026, after a screening process to determine their eligibility and professional distinction.
The committee had initially shortlisted 89 candidates, comprising 77 applicants under the advocates’ category and 12 under the academic category. Following the assessment, 67 advocates and one academic were selected for elevation.
The successful candidates were also required to participate in a mandatory induction programme before their formal conferment of the rank.
The SAN title is one of the highest professional distinctions in Nigeria’s legal profession. It is conferred on lawyers who demonstrate exceptional ability in advocacy or make significant contributions to legal scholarship and the development of the profession.
Admission into the Inner Bar carries significant responsibilities, including upholding professional ethics, maintaining high standards of advocacy and contributing to the administration of justice.
The LPPC also reminded recipients of restrictions governing publicity surrounding their nomination and elevation, warning against congratulatory advertisements, goodwill messages and related notices in violation of the applicable guidelines and the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023.
The committee cautioned that breaches could attract sanctions under the relevant professional rules.
The swearing-in coincided with the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year, an important event in the judiciary’s calendar that brings together judges, senior lawyers and other stakeholders to reflect on the administration of justice and the challenges facing the legal system.
The new SANs are expected to uphold the integrity of the profession, promote respect for the rule of law and mentor younger lawyers as they assume greater responsibilities within Nigeria’s justice system.
