Put on hold The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee has received a formal petition from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan asking for Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen to be disbarred from the Nigerian Bar.
Senator Imasuen was previously disbarred from the New York Bar on serious accusations, including fraud, misuse of client funds, and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities, according to the petition, which is based on claims of professional misconduct.
The petition claims that on May 10, 2010, the Appellate Division, Second Department of the New York Supreme Court permanently disbarred Senator Imasuen.
Daphne Slyfield, a client, filed a formal complaint accusing Imasuen of embezzling legal fees, which prompted this action. He had his U.S. legal license revoked after the court found him guilty of several violations of professional behavior.
Despite being disbarred in the United States, Senator Imasuen allegedly continued to practice law in Nigeria, posing as a lawyer and entering politics, according to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
As the senator for the Edo South Senatorial District, Imasuen later assumed the position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which requires the highest integrity.
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When Senator Imasuen submitted his FORM EC-9 – Particulars of Personal Information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prior to running for public office, the lawsuit further alleges that he neglected to report his disbarment.
By drawing attention to the inconsistencies in Imasuen’s disclosures and raising concerns about the appropriateness of someone with such a record to occupy a powerful position in the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take the necessary steps.
