LPPC Shortlists Tinubu’s Lawyer, 98 Others for SAN Rank

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 98 individuals for the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.

Among the nominees is Oluwole Afolabi, a lawyer who represented President Bola Tinubu. Also a prominent Nigerian legal practitioner and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Baba Dala Fika made the list.

While the shortlist includes 87 legal practitioners and 11 academics, the SAN title is a highly respected designation in the Nigerian legal profession, conferred annually by the LPPC under the Supreme Court’s authority.

This year’s selection process involved a thorough review of the candidates’ qualifications and achievements.

The shortlisting of Tinubu’s lawyer, Afolabi, has garnered particular attention. The list also includes other prominent figures, such as a former member of the APC National Screening Committee that cleared Tinubu for the 2023 presidential election.

The final conferment of the SAN rank on these shortlisted individuals will mark a significant milestone in their legal careers and contribute to the ongoing development of Nigeria’s legal landscape.

The list, released by LPPC Secretary Hajo Bello, to allow the public to make comments on the integrity, competence and reputation of the shortlisted individuals.

Afolabi, a Nigerian attorney licensed to practice in both Nigeria and the United States, gained prominence for his work defending Tinubu in U.S. legal cases.

His notable achievements include successfully defending Nigeria in a $98 million breach of contract case in New York and recovering over $1 million for Nigeria in a dispute with international organisations.

The list contains 87 practicing lawyers and 11 legal academics including Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Godwin Tagbo Ike, Johnson Odionu, Nnodum Marcellinus Duru, Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia, Soronnadi Anthony Njoku.

Adamu Abubakar, Charles Oyaole Musa, Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, David Dare Onietan, Elele Chinatu Casmir, Joseph Rapuluchuks Nduka, Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta, Habeeb Orisavbia Ilavbare.

Moses Kolade Obafemi, Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor, Babatunde Ademoye Sodipo, Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar, and Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene among others.

The legal academics are Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo, Tochukwu Peter Tochukwu, Uchenna Uzo Njoku, Paul Babatunde Daudu, Tobechukwu Kenechukwu Nweke, Ademola Kamardeen Abimbola, Yunus Abdulsalam, and Chukwuemeka Agamadodaigwe Nnawuchi.