Senior Lawyer Condemns DSS’ Screening of SANs Awardees

–         Says move undermines independence of legal profession 

–         Requirements part of LPPC guidelines, S’Court counters 

Alex Enumah in Abuja 

A Life Bencher and former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aare OlumuyiwaAkinboro, SAN, has condemned the clearance of lawyers newly conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), by the Department of State Services (DSS). 

Akinboro, in a statement warned that the development is capable of eroding the independence of the legal profession.

According to him, the conferment of the rank of SAN, is neither a political appointment nor an executive privilege, that would require such clearance by the security agencies.

“I have followed with keen attention the recent development requiring newly cleared Senior Advocates of Nigeria to undergo screening by the Department of State Services (DSS). 

“The conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is not a political appointment, nor is it an executive privilege. It is a professional recognition rooted in the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and administered solely by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC). 

“To subject this process to external security vetting, after rigorous scrutiny has already been undertaken by the LPPC, is an intrusion that undermines both the independence of the profession and the sanctity of due process”, Akinboro stated. 

While pointing out that the strength of the Bar has always been its autonomy, the senior lawyer stated that if the practitioners allow institutions outside the profession to insert themselves into its core processes without legal basis, it will open the door to a precedent that may one day compromise not only the rank of SAN but also the independence of courts, appointments, and ultimately, their ability to dispense justice without fear or favour. 

“The Nigerian Bar Association, the LPPC, and the Body of Benchers must rise to this moment and defend the legal profession’s independence. This is not about individuals; it is about protecting the very framework that gives legitimacy to the rule of law in our country. 

“The legal profession must resist every attempt to muscle the Bar. To remain silent is to acquiesce, and acquiescence today may cost us the profession we hold dear tomorrow”, he added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has allayed fears raised by some lawyers in the country, pointing out that there is nothing new about the screening of SAN awardees.

Director of Press and Public Relations, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dr. Festus Akande, told THISDAY that the screening is in line with Paragraph 23 (2) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee Guidelines.

The said paragraph read: The list of candidates will also be sent to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the State Security Service for a confidential report to be issued within 21 (twenty-one) days as to whether any of the shortlisted candidates is, or has been, the subject of any petition, investigation, prosecution, or conviction. 

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), had last month unveiled a list of 57 lawyers newly elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

According to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Mr. KanirEniolaAkanbi, the list was approved by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice KudiratMotonmoriOlatokunboKekere-Ekun, at LPPC’s 169th Plenary Session held on Thursday.

“The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is conferred as a mark of professional excellence upon legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional distinction either as advocates in the courts or as academics contributing significantly to the development of legal scholarship. 

“During the session, the Committee also considered three (3) petitions submitted against certain applicants. Upon thorough review, each petition was found to be lacking in merit and was accordingly dismissed. 

“In accordance with the directives of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), all shortlisted prospective Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) conferees are required to attend and successfully complete the Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme”, Akanbi said.

According to the LPPC secretary, participation in the induction programme is a mandatory prerequisite for the formal conferment of the SAN rank.

Meanwhile, the conferees were warned in line with Paragraph 25(1) of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Guidelines and the provisions of Rule 393) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2023, from publishing of advertisements, congratulatory messages, or goodwill notices related to their nomination or conferment. 

“Any breach of these provisions may attract sanctions for violations of statutory or ethical rules as expressly stated”, Akanbi said. 

Meanwhile, the Swearing-In ceremony for the 57 successful applicants is scheduled to hold on Monday, September 29, 2025.