The Body of Benchers has sanctioned 17 lawyers for professional misconduct, imposing penalties ranging from two to five years’ suspension from legal practice.

The disciplinary action was disclosed during the body’s annual lecture and the presentation of the 2025 report of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, held in Abuja.

The event drew prominent members of the legal community, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), alongside several Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

The gathering marked the second annual lecture organised by the Body of Benchers and served as a platform to review developments in the legal profession, particularly in the areas of ethics, discipline and professional standards.

Participants at the conference also engaged in discussions on mentorship for young lawyers and the need to reinforce ethical conduct within the profession.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, raised concerns over the increasing involvement of lawyers in financial crimes.

He revealed that more than 100 senior lawyers are currently being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency over allegations related to financial fraud.

A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of the 2025 report of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, which detailed sanctions imposed on the 17 lawyers found guilty of various professional infractions.

The Body of Benchers, which regulates the legal profession in Nigeria, used the occasion to reiterate the importance of discipline, ethical conduct and professionalism as fundamental pillars for sustaining public trust in the legal system.