Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 68 lawyers as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) as part of activities marking the 2026/2027 legal year.
The ceremony took place at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja, with the Nigerian Television Authority reporting the development on Monday through videos and photographs shared on its official X account.
Addressing judicial officers and legal practitioners, Kekere-Ekun called for reforms to speed up the administration of justice, citing the growing volume of cases before the courts.
She also urged judges to embrace technology to improve the handling and determination of cases.
Reviewing the judiciary’s performance during the preceding legal year, the CJN disclosed that more than 2,000 cases were filed at the Supreme Court, with civil matters accounting for the majority.
Kekere-Ekun also cautioned lawyers against using the media to discredit court judgments, emphasising the need to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
The newly elevated SANs include Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu, Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor, Godwill Achibong Umoh, Sunday Samuel Obende, Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, Jimson Ejovi Okodaso, Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John, Olaotan Thomas Olusegun, Philemeon Audu Daffi and Adenrele David Adegborioye.
Others are James Eromosele Agbonhese, Alexander Nduka Muoka, Onome Okodiya, Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye, Ikhide Ehighelua, Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun, Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi, Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed and Odion Peter Odia.
The list also includes Gbemiga Adaramola, Moses Okoh Onyilokwu, Charles Azubuike Obodozie, Hakeem Obafemi Agaba, Bimbo Felix Atilola, Okechukwu Steve Emelieze, Joshua Demilade Olaniyan, Igonikon Abiola Adekunle, Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie and Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno.
Other appointees are Sarafa Kolawole Idowu, Olujoke Enitan Alius, Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie, Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi, Faruk Abdullah, Sagir Gezawa Suleiman, Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko, Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe, Sabiu Gumba Adamu and Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare.
The remaining names on the list are Soibi Ideriah Ovia, Somina Peter Johnbull, Chinedum Ikenna Umeche, Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe, Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff, Junaidu Bello Marshall, Olawale Sunday Fapohunda, Adebiyi Alaba Adetosoye, Senior Sulyman Ibrahim, Agba Eimunjeze, Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande, Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi, Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle, Umaru Yunusa, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba, Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu, Kayode Orire Omosehin, Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala, Bolu Agbaje Akadri, Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao, Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Afees Hassan Adebayo, Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun, Jonathan Akintola Makinde and Olajide Salami.
Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri was named as the successful academic applicant, bringing the total number of new Senior Advocates of Nigeria to 68.
