The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 68 legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) with a charge to uphold integrity and ethical leadership.
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 silks comprise 67 advocates and one academic — one of the highest distinctions in the Nigerian legal profession, reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional ability and distinction in practice or scholarship.
In her address, Justice Kekere-Ekun said the rank is not merely a recognition of professional success but a call to leadership.
She urged the new SANs to demonstrate humility, dignity and strong commitment to ethical conduct, and to serve as role models for younger lawyers.
The CJN warned that the disciplinary actions taken against senior members of the profession in the preceding Legal Year should serve as a reminder that no rank places anyone above accountability.
The 68 recipients were approved by the Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 174th plenary session held on July 23, 2026, under the chairmanship of the CJN.
The Committee had also directed successful applicants to complete a mandatory pre-swearing-in induction programme and warned against advertisements, congratulatory messages or goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment.
Full List of New SANs
According to seniority at the Bar, the 67 advocates are:
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 Adetoboye, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, Agba Eimunjeze, Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande, Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi, Olamide Moigbotoluwa 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.
The academic is Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.