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CJN Swears In 57 Senior Advocates, Warns Rank Could Be Revoked
Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 57 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), cautioning that the prestigious rank could be withdrawn if abused.
Kekere-Ekun described the conferment as a moment of “solemn reflection and renewed commitment to the noble calling of justice,” and urged the lawyers to uphold the dignity of their profession.
“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.
The Chief Justice also honoured four jurists who died in the 2024 legal year, including former Chief Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, praising their “unwavering commitment to justice.”
Kekere-Ekun outlined reforms in the judiciary over the past year, including the resolution of all pending petitions before the National Judicial Council (NJC). Sanctions were imposed where necessary, while some lawyers were referred to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee.
She said courts had been modernised with new case management systems, digitised records and a Court Records Processing Unit to address missing files. A nationwide rollout of the Nigerian Case Management System will enable electronic filing of appeals.
The Supreme Court’s Notary Public Unit has also been automated, with an Electronic Notary Register introduced to track certified notaries.
The Chief Justice said welfare reforms ensured prompt payment of salaries and allowances, and constructive engagement with the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria helped avert strikes.
Kekere-Ekun noted a sharp increase in judicial workload, with the Supreme Court hearing 2,280 matters in the past year, including 560 appeals, and delivering 369 judgments, up from 247 the previous year.
On anti-corruption, she highlighted the work of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO), which worked with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, securing 1,417 convictions in 2025, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, which initiated 43 new cases and secured nine convictions.
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