“Privilege Can Be Withdrawn” — CJN Cautions 57 New SANs As Supreme Court Concludes 2,280 Matters, Delivers 369 Rulings

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 57 distinguished legal practitioners as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at the Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja, urging them to uphold the dignity of the rank and warning that the privilege could be withdrawn if abused.

Speaking during a special session of the Supreme Court marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the conferment of the SAN rank as a moment of “solemn reflection and renewed commitment to the noble calling of justice.”

“This occasion is not merely a celebration of time passing, but a call to take stock, reflect on our challenges and achievements, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of justice, fairness, and service to the Nigerian people,” she said.

Justice Kekere-Ekun paid tribute to four eminent jurists who passed away during the last legal year, including former Chief Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais and three retired Supreme Court justices, praising their “unwavering commitment to justice” and extending condolences to their families, as well as to families of judicial staff lost during the year.

She highlighted major reforms undertaken in the judiciary over the past year, including:

Justice Kekere-Ekun reported that the Supreme Court heard 2,280 matters, including 560 appeals, and delivered 369 judgments, a significant rise from the previous year’s 247.

On anti-corruption efforts, she noted that the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) continued to collaborate with agencies like the EFCC, which secured 1,417 convictions in 2025, and the ICPC, which initiated 43 new cases and secured nine convictions.

The CJN urged the newly elevated SANs to uphold the dignity of their new rank, emphasizing that misuse of the privilege could result in its withdrawal. She called on them to commit themselves to justice, fairness, and service to society, reminding them that the SAN rank comes with responsibility.

She concluded her address by encouraging all members of the judiciary to continue advancing reforms, improving efficiency, and upholding the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law in Nigeria.