FULL LIST: Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee Shortlists 98 Applicants for SAN Rank

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has announced the shortlisting of 98 lawyers who are vying for the esteemed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank for the year 2024. This selection marks the initial phase of a rigorous evaluation process, culminating in interviews and public scrutiny.

Among the notable contenders are Abdulkarim Kana, National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and prominent figures such as Monday Ubani, Kunle Edun, and Rapulu Nduka, all former national officers of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Also included are Wendy Kuku, Legal Adviser of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Paul Daudu, Chairman of the NBA Bwari branch.

Hajo Sarki-Bello, Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, disclosed the list in Abuja, emphasizing that the publication invites public feedback on the integrity, reputation, and competence of the candidates. Interested parties can submit petitions supported by affidavits from Nigerian superior courts or notaries public.

Of the 98 shortlisted applicants, 87 belong to the advocate category while 11 are in the academic category. The process is a critical part of the legal community’s efforts to maintain high standards and excellence in legal practice.

The final selection will occur during the Supreme Court’s new legal year ceremony, an event that annually celebrates the induction of successful candidates into the distinguished rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The LPPC, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, oversees this prestigious recognition, underscoring its significance in the legal profession.

This announcement follows a robust registration of over 3,074 lawyers for the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) annual conference, highlighting the active engagement and aspirations within the legal fraternity.

Full List of Shortlisted Applicants:

Advocate Category:

Lateef Karim, Esq.

Godwin Ike, Esq.

Johnson Odionu, Esq.

Nnodim Duru, Esq.

Innocent Ovbagbedia, Esq.

Soronnadi Njoku, Esq.

Adamu Abubakar, Esq.

Charles Musa, Esq.

Udochi Iheanacho, Esq.

David Onietan, Esq.

Elele Casmir, Esq.

Josiah Nduka, Esq.

Godwin Obeta, Esq.

Habeeb Ilavbare, Esq.

Moses Obafemi, Esq.

Mathew Esonanjor, Esq.

Baba Dalah, Esq.

Babatunde Sodipo, Esq.

Mustapha Abubakar, Esq.

Emmanuel Esene, Esq.

Henry Bello, Esq.

Boniface Moore, Esq.

Clement Ezika, Esq.

Omokayode Dada, Esq.

Edwin Anikwem, Esq.

Roy Nwaeze, Esq.

Olumide Olugbenga, Esq.

Monday Ubani, Esq.

Ayoola Ajayi, Esq.

Paul Obi, Esq.

Olasupo Ati-John, Esq.

Cole Ololade, Esq.

Charles Adeogun-Phillips, Esq.

Okechukwu Ajunwa, Esq.

Jacob Ifere, Esq.

Emmanuel Adekile, Esq.

Christopher Okeke, Esq.

Waziri Mamman, Esq.

Oluronke Adeyemi, Esq.

Oluwole Olawale Afolabi, Esq.

Toboukebide Kekemeke, Esq.

Akinbamigbe Adesomoju, Esq.

Victor Owarienomare Odjemu, Esq.

Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune, Esq.

Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Esq.

Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim, Esq.

Stanley Chidozie Imo, Esq.

Charles Oladipo Titiloye, Esq.

Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Esq.

Kingsley Chuku, Esq.

Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi, Esq.

Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi, Esq.

Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir, Esq.

Idowu Omotunde Benson, Esq.

Kolawole James Olowookere, Esq.

Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam, Esq.

Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan, Esq.

Omosanya Atilola Popoola, Esq.

Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide, Esq.

Emonye Oga Adekwu, Esq.

Aderemi Oguntoye, Esq.

Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun, Esq.

Abdul Adamu, Esq.

Theodore Ezeobi, Esq.

Rilwan Umar, Esq.

Chinenye Okafor, Esq.

Kaka Lawan, Esq.

Abba Muhammed, Esq.

Wendy Kuku, Esq.

Ekele Iheanacho, Esq.

Okechukwu Edeze, Esq.

Akinyemi Olujinmi, Esq.

Gyang Yaya Zi, Esq.

Idris Abubakar, Esq.

George Ibrahim, Esq.

Boonyameen Lawal, Esq.

Terkaa Aondo, Esq.

Tochukwu Tochukwu, Esq.

Uchenna Njoku, Esq.

Paul Daudu, Esq.

Chukwudi Enebeli, Esq.

Yusuf Ogunrinde, Esq.

Tobechukwu Nweke, Esq.

Ademola Abimbola, Esq.

Yunus Abdulsalam, Esq.

Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, Esq.

Chukwuemeka Nnawuchi, Esq.

Academic Category:

Prof. John Agbonika

Prof. Osy Nwebo

Prof. Nlerum Okogbule

Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri

Prof. Nathaniel Inegbedion

Prof. Collins Obioma

Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo

Prof. Augustine Agom

Prof. Ibrahim Abikan

Prof. Chima Ubanyionwu

Prof. Ganiyu Oke

Hajo Sarki-Bello reiterated that the final decision on successful candidates will be made during the Supreme Court’s annual legal year ceremony. This process not only upholds the prestige of the SAN rank but also reflects the commitment of the LPPC to maintaining the highest standards in the legal profession.