68 Lawyers Elevated To SAN Rank As Nigeria’s Chief Justice Leads Swearing-In Ceremony

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 68 legal practitioners who were elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The ceremony formed part of activities marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year and brought together legal practitioners recognised for their contributions to the Nigerian legal profession.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the newly elevated SANs comprise 67 practising advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, who emerged as the sole recipient in the academic category.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approved the elevations during its 174th plenary session held in Abuja in July 2026.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria title is one of the highest professional distinctions in the country’s legal sector, recognising practitioners and academics who have demonstrated distinction in their respective areas of law.

The 67 advocates were presented in order of seniority at the Bar during the ceremony. They include 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 and Adenrele David Adegborioye.

Other recipients include 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 and Odion Peter Odia.

The list also features 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 and Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno.

Other newly elevated practitioners are 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 and Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare.

The remaining recipients include 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 and Agba Eimunjeze.

The list further includes 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 and Bolu Agbaje Akadri.

The final group comprises Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao, Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Afees Hassan Adebayo, Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun, Jonathan Akintola Makinde and Olajide Salami.

The latest elevation represents a significant professional milestone for the recipients and adds to the number of distinguished practitioners and academics recognised within Nigeria’s legal community.

The swearing-in ceremony also underscored the importance of professional excellence and the role of the legal profession in upholding justice and the rule of law in the country.