Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 legal practitioners elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The swearing-in took place during the 2026/2027 Legal Year ceremony, with the Nigerian Television Authority announcing the development in a news flash on its official X handle on Monday.

The development follows the approval of the nominees by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) about three months ago.

The committee, chaired by Kekere-Ekun, approved the elevation of the 68 recipients during its 174th plenary session.

A statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Eniola, indicated that the list comprises 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

Obiaraeri was recognised for his contributions to legal scholarship, making him the only academic among the new SANs.

The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest professional honours in the country’s legal profession. It is awarded to practitioners who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement in advocacy or legal scholarship.

Before the conferment, the LPPC directed successful applicants to participate in and complete a mandatory induction programme, with the date to be announced later.

The committee also reminded the newly elevated SANs of their obligations under paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and Rule 39(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023.

It cautioned them against publishing or encouraging advertisements, congratulatory messages or goodwill notices relating to their nomination or conferment, warning that any breach of the rules could attract sanctions.