CJN swears in 57 new SANs, warns against abuse of privilege

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), has sworn in 57 legal practitioners as senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

The ceremony, held on Monday at the supreme court complex in Abuja, also marked the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year.

Addressing the new SANs, Kekere-Ekun said the rank represents “recognition of years of dedicated service, resolute commitment to the rule of law, and exceptional contributions to the legal profession”.

“The conferment of this rank is a rigorous process, reflecting the high expectations placed upon those who bear the title. It signifies not only professional excellence but also a commitment to ethical conduct and the upholding of the integrity of the legal profession,” she said.

“You have all actively participated in the pre-swearing-in induction programme organised by the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), where invaluable insights were shared with you. I urge you to uphold and internalise those principles, so that you may carry this rank with the utmost dignity, grace, and sense of responsibility it demands.”

The CJN reminded the senior advocates that the rank remains a privilege which could be withdrawn if abused.

“The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can, and indeed will, be withdrawn in appropriate circumstances where it is abused. I commend the efforts of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee in sustaining the standards and integrity of the processes leading to the final selection of successful applicants,” she said.

The SAN title is the highest recognition for legal practitioners in Nigeria and is conferred annually on lawyers who have distinguished themselves in the profession.

SUPREME COURT’S CASE LOAD

The CJN also reviewed the performance of the apex court in the last legal year, noting progress in clearing case backlogs.

In the 2024/2025 legal year, which ended on Friday, July 18, 2025, Kekere-Ekun said the court considered a total of 2,280 matters, comprising both motions and appeals. Of these, 1,720 were motions broken down into 1,025 civil, 488 criminal, and 27 Sharia-related matters. 

The court also entertained 560 appeals, broken down into 352 civil, 180 criminal, 6 political, 15 Sharia, and 7 originating summons. From these matters, a total of 369 judgments were delivered. 

“The past legal year has been a testament to our unwavering commitment to the speedy dispensation of justice,” the CJN said.

“The number of appeals disposed of reflects significant progress when compared with the preceding 2023/2024 legal year, during which the court handled 1,124 cases, comprising 435 civil appeals, including 89 political appeals, 269 civil motions, 219 criminal appeals, 102 criminal motions, and 10 originating summons. These culminated in 247 judgments and rulings.”