The Body of Benchers has handed sanctions to 17 lawyers for professional misconduct, imposing suspensions ranging from two to five years.
The announcement came during the Body of Benchers’ second annual lecture, which also included the presentation of the 2025 report from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
The lecture, held in Abuja, drew senior members of the bar and bench, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe; and numerous Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
The annual lecture serves as a platform for reflecting on ethical practices in the profession, mentoring young lawyers, and emphasizing the importance of discipline and professionalism.
The presentation of the Disciplinary Committee’s report highlighted recent cases of misconduct, with the 17 sanctioned lawyers representing the latest enforcement actions.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Oluokoje, expressed deep concern over the rising involvement of lawyers in financial crimes.
He disclosed that more than 100 senior lawyers are currently under prosecution by the commission for issues relating to financial fraud, signaling a growing challenge in maintaining integrity within the legal profession.
The Body of Benchers, as Nigeria’s apex regulatory authority for legal practitioners, stressed that ethics and discipline are fundamental to sustaining public confidence in the justice system.
As the second annual lecture concluded, participants reiterated the need for continuous enforcement of professional standards and mentorship to guide the next generation of lawyers.
The 17 sanctioned lawyers face varying periods of suspension, reflecting the gravity of their offenses and the Body of Benchers’ commitment to upholding high standards of conduct within the profession.
