Zainab Abioye
The Body of Benchers has sanctioned no fewer than 17 lawyers for professional misconduct, handing down penalties ranging from two to five years’ suspension from legal practice.
The sanctions were announced during the second annual lecture of the Body of Benchers held in Abuja, where the report of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for the year 2025 was presented.
The event drew top members of Nigeria’s legal community, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN); as well as several Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
The annual lecture also served as a platform to review developments within the legal profession and emphasise the need for strict adherence to professional ethics.
Presenting the report, the committee disclosed that the affected lawyers were found guilty of various professional infractions, leading to their suspension for periods ranging between two and five years.
The Body of Benchers, which serves as the apex regulatory body for the legal profession in Nigeria, oversees the call to the Bar and enforces discipline among legal practitioners.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Oluokoje, expressed concern over the rising involvement of lawyers in financial crimes.
According to him, more than 100 senior lawyers are currently being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency over alleged financial fraud.
Oluokoje warned that the trend poses a serious threat to the integrity of the legal profession and urged legal practitioners to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that lawyers occupy a critical position in the justice system and must not be seen aiding criminal activities.
Participants at the event also highlighted the importance of mentorship for younger lawyers, noting that strengthening ethical values within the profession remains key to restoring public confidence in the legal system.
The conference concluded with renewed calls for discipline, professionalism and stricter enforcement of ethical standards across the Nigerian Bar.
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