By Felix Umande, Makurdi

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed all lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in official dealings at the Supreme Court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the measure was part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.

“I am directed by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the memo read.

The memorandum directed all affected officers to discontinue the use of “Barrister” before their names in official correspondence, court records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagement “with immediate effect.”

“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” it added.

The Supreme Court’s order comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education warned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures. It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.

Legal analysts say the CJN’s directive reinforces the distinction between qualification and title, and seeks to align courtroom decorum at the Supreme Court with global best practice, where “Barrister” is not used as a formal prefix.

The Supreme Court did not indicate any sanctions for non-compliance, but heads of departments have been tasked with enforcing the new rule.

By Felix Umande, Makurdi

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC, has elevated 68 legal practitioners to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.

The decision was reached during the committee’s 174th plenary session held on Thursday in Abuja and presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akan.

The newly conferred SANs were listed according to their seniority at the Bar. They are:

1. Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu, Esq.
2. Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor, Esq.
3. Godwill Achibong Umoh, Esq.
4. Sunday Samuel Obende, Esq.
5. Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, Esq.
6. Jimson Ejovi Okodaso, Esq.
7. Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John, Esq.
8. Olaotan Thomas Olusegun, Esq.
9. Philemeon Audu Daffi, Esq.
10. Adenrele David Adegborioye, Esq.
11. James Eromosele Agbonhese, Esq.
12. Alexander Nduka Muoka, Esq.
13. Onome Okodiya, Esq.
14. Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye, Esq.
15. Ikhide Ehighelua, Esq.
16. Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, Esq.
17. Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun, Esq.
18. Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi, Esq.
19. Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed, Esq.
20. Odion Peter Odia, Esq.
21. Gbemiga Adaramola, Esq.
22. Moses Okoh Onyilokwu, Esq.
23. Charles Azubuike Obodozie, Esq.
24. Hakeem Obafemi Agaba, Esq.
25. Bimbo Felix Atilola, Esq.
26. Okechukwu Steve Emelieze, Esq.
27. Joshua Demilade Olaniyan, Esq.
28. Igonikon Abiola Adekunle, Esq.
29. Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie, Esq.
30. Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno, Esq.
31. Sarafa Kolawole Idowu, Esq.
32. Olujoke Enitan Aliu, Esq.
33. Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie, Esq.
34. Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi, Esq.
35. Faruk Abdullah, Esq.
36. Sagir Gezawa Suleiman, Esq.
37. Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko, Esq.
38. Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe, Esq.
39. Sabiu Gumba Adamu, Esq.
40. Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare, Esq.
41. Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Esq.
42. Somina Peter Johnbull, Esq.
43. Chinedum Ikenna Umeche, Esq.
44. Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe, Esq.
45. Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff, Esq.
46. Junaidu Bello Marshall, Esq.
47. Olawale Sunday Fapohunda, Esq.
48. Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye, Esq.
49. Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, Esq.
50. Agba Eimunjeze, Esq.
51. Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande, Esq.
52. Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi, Esq.
53. Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle, Esq.
54. Umaru Yunusa, Esq.
55. Akorede Habeeb Lawal, Esq.
56. Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba, Esq.
57. Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu, Esq.
58. Kayode Orire Omosehin, Esq.
59. Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala, Esq.
60. Bolu Agbaje Akadri, Esq.
61. Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao, Esq.
62. Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Esq.
63. Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Esq.
64. Afees Hassan Adebayo, Esq.
65. Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun, Esq.
66. Jonathan Akintola Makinde, Esq.
67. Olajide Salami, Esq.

In the academic category, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri was the sole successful applicant elevated to the rank.

The elevation confers on the new appointees the status of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, placing them among the highest-ranking legal practitioners in the country in recognition of their distinguished contributions to legal practice and scholarship.

The SAN title is awarded by the LPPC to legal practitioners who have demonstrated excellence, integrity, and outstanding contributions to the development of law in Nigeria.

By Our Reporter

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed all legal practitioners with matters scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026 to upload all relevant court processes through the Nigerian Case Management System, NCMS, in compliance with the Supreme Court Practice Direction, 2026.

In a press release issued by the Chief Registrar, Kabir E. Akanbi, the apex court said the directive is aimed at ensuring the seamless operation of the NCMS and the efficient, timely determination of cases.

According to the statement, counsel are required to upload all filed documents relating to their matters not later than thirty days before the scheduled hearing date.

The documents to be uploaded include the Record of Appeal, Briefs of Argument, pending Motions, and all other filed processes.

The directive is issued pursuant to Rule 10(1) of the Supreme Court Practice Direction, 2026.

“The Court urges all Counsel to comply strictly with this requirement to facilitate the seamless operation of the Nigerian Case Management System and ensure the efficient and timely determination of cases,” the statement said.

To access the list of Appeals and Motions fixed for hearing between September and December 2026, the court advised counsel to:

1. Visit the Supreme Court website: supremecourt.gov.ng
2. Click on Litigation
3. Select Nigerian Case Management System, NCMS
4. Click on Download Documents
5. Check the list of Appeals and Motions scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026.

The Supreme Court said the move is part of ongoing efforts to digitize court processes and reduce delays in the justice system.

Legal practitioners have been advised to begin preparations early to meet the 30-day upload deadline and avoid any disruption to their cases.