By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the decision of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) to suspend senior lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the determination of disciplinary proceedings against him

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said the action raises serious constitutional and procedural concerns, warning that it could undermine the principle of presumption of innocence.

“The action raises fundamental questions about fairness, natural justice and the long-established legal doctrine of presumption of innocence,” HURIWA stated, noting that the doctrine remains one of the pillars upon which Nigeria’s jurisprudence is built.

According to the association, the Nigerian legal system, like every democratic society governed by the rule of law, is anchored on the principle that every person accused of wrongdoing is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, tribunal or other legally constituted adjudicatory body.

HURIWA argued that suspending Ozekhome before the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings could send the wrong signal to the public.

“The suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, before the determination of the petition against him may create the unfortunate impression that allegations alone are sufficient to attract punitive consequences, irrespective of whether such allegations have been substantiated through a fair and transparent process,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the responsibility of the LPPC to safeguard the integrity and prestige of the SAN rank, the association maintained that such responsibility must be exercised within the bounds of fairness and due process.

“Institutional integrity is best preserved when disciplinary processes are conducted in a manner that visibly adheres to the principles of fairness, impartiality and due process,” HURIWA said.

The group further noted that the legal profession occupies a unique position as the guardian of justice and constitutional rights, stressing that its disciplinary procedures should reinforce, rather than weaken, the principles they are designed to protect.

It also recalled previous disciplinary cases involving senior members of the legal profession, saying sanctions were imposed only after legal proceedings had been concluded and findings of culpability established.

“Suspending the privileges attached to the SAN rank before the conclusion of proceedings could be perceived as imposing a measure of punishment before a final verdict has been reached,” the organisation stated, warning that such a perception could erode public confidence in the fairness and objectivity of disciplinary institutions.

Consequently, HURIWA called on the LPPC to reconsider and lift Ozekhome’s suspension pending the conclusion of investigations and the final determination of the petition against him.

The association, however, clarified that its position should not be misconstrued as support for any alleged misconduct.

“This appeal is not a defence of any alleged misconduct, nor is it an attempt to interfere with the disciplinary process,” the group said, adding that its intervention is “a principled call for strict adherence to due process and the constitutional safeguards that protect every citizen and professional from premature sanctions before a finding of guilt has been made.”

Reiterating its position, HURIWA declared that, “Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” urging the LPPC to allow the disciplinary process to run its full course before imposing any final sanctions.

The association maintained that preserving the integrity of the SAN rank and protecting the constitutional rights of those who hold it are complementary objectives that can only be achieved through a transparent process firmly rooted in the principles of natural justice.