CJN swears in 68 new SANs, charges them to uphold professional integrity

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), urging them to uphold professional integrity, humility and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Supreme Court in Abuja as part of activities marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.

The new recipients comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

Their elevation followed the approval of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja in July 2026.

Addressing the new SANs, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the prestigious rank as both a mark of professional distinction and a call to greater responsibility.

She urged the recipients to appreciate that their elevation places greater expectations on them, particularly in their conduct, professional ethics, quality of advocacy and contribution to the administration of justice.

The CJN also emphasised that the rank does not place its holders above accountability, underscoring the need for them to serve as role models to younger members of the Bar.

What the SAN rank means

The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest professional distinctions in the Nigerian legal profession.

It is conferred on legal practitioners who have distinguished themselves through exceptional legal practice, advocacy and contributions to the development of the law.

The award also recognises outstanding contributions to legal scholarship, allowing suitably qualified academics to receive the rank.

The LPPC is responsible for considering applications and recommending eligible candidates for elevation.

Its assessment process is intended to ensure that recipients meet the professional and ethical standards required for the honour.

The conferment carries responsibilities beyond professional prestige.

Senior advocates are expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct, respect for the courts, commitment to the rule of law and dedication to strengthening the administration of justice.

The latest ceremony brings the 68 recipients into the senior rank of the profession, with 67 recognised for advocacy and one for academic contributions to legal scholarship.

Full list of the 68 new SANs

The 67 advocates are listed below in order of seniority at the Bar, followed by the sole academic recipient.

A. The 67 advocates

* Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu

* Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor

* Godwill Achibong Umoh

* Sunday Samuel Obende

* Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe

* Jimson Ejovi Okodaso

* Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John

* Olaotan Thomas Olusegun

* Philemeon Audu Daffi

* Adenrele David Adegborioye

* James Eromosele Agbonhese

* Alexander Nduka Muoka

* Onome Okodiya

* Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye

* Ikhide Ehighelua

* Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe

* Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun

* Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi

* Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed

* Odion Peter Odia

* Gbemiga Adaramola

* Moses Okoh Onyilokwu

* Charles Azubuike Obodozie

* Hakeem Obafemi Agaba

* Bimbo Felix Atilola

* Okechukwu Steve Emelieze

* Joshua Demilade Olaniyan

* Igonikon Abiola Adekunle

* Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie

* Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno

* Sarafa Kolawole Idowu

* Olujoke Enitan Aliu

* Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie

* Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi

* Faruk Abdullah

* Sagir Gezawa Suleiman

* Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko

* Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe

* Sabiu Gumba Adamu

* Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare

* Soibi Ideriah Ovia

* Somina Peter Johnbull

* Chinedum Ikenna Umeche

* Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe

* Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff

* Junaidu Bello Marshall

* Olawale Sunday Fapohunda

* Adebiyi Alaba Adetosoye

* Senior Sulyman Ibrahim

* Agba Eimunjeze

* Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande

* Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi

* Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle

* Umaru Yunusa

* Akorede Habeeb Lawal

* Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba

* Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu

* Kayode Orire Omosehin

* Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala

* Bolu Agbaje Akadri

* Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao

* Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala

* Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja

* Afees Hassan Adebayo

* Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun

* Jonathan Akintola Makinde

* Olajide Salami

B. Academic appointee

68\. Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri

The elevation of the new SANs marks another milestone in their professional careers and places on them greater responsibility to uphold the standards, ethics and integrity expected of the Nigerian legal profession.