Nigeria News (Standard)
LPPC Shortlists 89 Lawyers Nationwide for 2026 SAN Conferment
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has released a shortlist of 89 lawyers across Nigeria as candidates for the conferment of the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2026. The announcement was made public on Wednesday, 24 June, with the full list now available for scrutiny by legal stakeholders and the general public.
According to the LPPC, this shortlist represents a major step in the annual process that determines which legal practitioners will be elevated to the rank of SAN, regarded as one of the highest honours in Nigeria’s legal profession. The committee stated that those shortlisted have met initial eligibility criteria and will now undergo further screening and interviews before final approval is granted.
The conferment of SAN is considered significant within Nigerian legal circles, as it symbolises professional excellence and is often a prerequisite for leadership roles in the judiciary and private practice. Each year, lawyers from various states submit applications, which are then reviewed by the LPPC based on experience, courtroom performance, and integrity. The process aims to promote merit while also ensuring regional representation within the senior bar.
With this development, legal observers expect robust discussions within the profession regarding transparency and equity in the selection process. In previous years, some stakeholders have called for reforms to ensure wider access to the SAN title beyond major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja. The LPPC has assured that due diligence will be observed throughout all stages leading up to the final announcement.
The next phase involves a review of petitions or objections against any candidate on the shortlist before a final list is published later in the year. Successful applicants will be formally decorated at a ceremony scheduled for 2026. The LPPC urged members of the public with credible information about any candidate’s suitability or otherwise to submit their input during this period.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ebola Cases in DR Congo Surpass 1,000 as Death Toll Hits 277, Says WHO
World Health Organisation urges intensified response after new figures mark major escalation in ongoing outbreak
World Health Organisation urges intensified response after new figures mark major escalation in ongoing outbreak
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now crossed 1,000 confirmed cases, with at least 277 people reported dead as at Wednesday. The agency revealed the updated figures during a briefing, noting that the situation remains dire in affected regions of eastern DRC.
According to WHO officials, the number of confirmed Ebola cases has been rising steadily over recent weeks, with health workers battling to contain the spread across multiple communities. The latest milestone was reached following a spike in new infections recorded over the past days.
The outbreak, which began months ago in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, is considered one of the most serious public health emergencies facing Central Africa. Nigerian medical experts have expressed concern about cross-border transmission risks due to frequent movement between DRC and neighbouring countries. The rapid escalation in case numbers puts pressure on already stretched health systems and poses a significant threat to regional stability.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for increased international support and deployment of resources to help Congolese authorities respond effectively. “This outbreak demonstrates the urgent need for improved surveillance and rapid response capacity,” Tedros said during the press conference. He also commended frontline health workers for their courage but warned that insecurity in some areas continues to hamper intervention efforts.
Health agencies are scaling up vaccination campaigns and community sensitisation programmes. However, officials warn that unless security challenges are addressed and funding gaps closed, further spread remains likely. Regional governments have been urged to strengthen border screenings and share information promptly with public health partners.
Nigeria News (Standard)
LPPC Suspends Mike Ozekhome from Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee takes disciplinary action against prominent lawyer; implications for SAN community
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee takes disciplinary action against prominent lawyer; implications for SAN community
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome from using the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), marking a significant move in Nigeria’s legal profession. The decision was announced on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, and affects one of the country’s most recognised lawyers.
Details surrounding the circumstances leading to Ozekhome’s suspension remain limited as at press time. The LPPC, which oversees appointments and discipline within the SAN cadre, did not immediately provide further explanation regarding the specific allegations or infractions that prompted its action against Ozekhome.
Ozekhome, a well-known constitutional lawyer and rights advocate, has held the SAN title for several years and is known for his involvement in high-profile cases and commentary on national legal issues. His suspension is expected to generate debate within legal circles, given his prominence and previous advocacy roles in both public interest and political matters.
The LPPC’s decision underscores its authority to regulate standards among holders of the prestigious SAN rank. Reactions from other members of the bar are still emerging, with some lawyers describing the move as a reminder that professional standards remain paramount regardless of status. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had yet to issue an official response as at Wednesday evening.
Further information on possible appeals or conditions attached to Ozekhome’s suspension is expected in coming days as stakeholders await more details from the LPPC. The development may prompt renewed scrutiny on disciplinary processes among senior legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Shettima Calls for Urgent Investment in Health, Education Across Northern Communities
Vice President highlights pressing need for improved social infrastructure, urges stakeholders to address regional disparities
Vice President highlights pressing need for improved social infrastructure, urges stakeholders to address regional disparities
Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the urgent need for increased investment in health and education sectors across northern Nigerian communities. Shettima made this call on Wednesday, 24 June, while addressing stakeholders at an event focused on regional development priorities.
According to the Vice President, inadequate access to quality healthcare and education remains a major barrier to progress in many northern states. He urged both government and private sector actors to prioritise these critical sectors as part of broader efforts to address underdevelopment and inequality in the region.
The call comes amid ongoing concerns about social and economic disparities between Nigeria’s regions. Many northern states have persistently reported lower indices in health outcomes and school enrolment rates compared to their southern counterparts, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This has heightened pressure on policymakers to implement targeted interventions that can bridge existing gaps.
Shettima said that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach involving all levels of government as well as community leaders. He emphasised that effective investment in health and education would not only improve living standards but also help tackle insecurity by empowering young people with knowledge and opportunities.
Stakeholders present at the event echoed the Vice President’s position, noting that sustainable development in the North depends on urgent reforms in healthcare delivery and educational access. As discussions continue, attention is now focused on how both federal and state authorities will respond to calls for increased funding and policy innovation in these vital sectors.
