Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, seeking the disbarment of Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen from the Nigerian Bar.
The petition accuses Imasuen of professional misconduct, alleging that he was previously disbarred from the New York Bar due to serious offenses, including fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and non-cooperation with disciplinary authorities.
According to the petition, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, permanently disbarred Imasuen on May 10, 2010, following a complaint by a client, Daphne Slyfield. She accused him of misappropriating legal fees, and the court found him guilty of multiple violations of professional ethics, leading to the revocation of his legal license in the U.S.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that despite this disbarment, Imasuen continued practicing law in Nigeria while also pursuing a political career. He currently serves as the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District and holds the position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions—a role that demands high ethical standards.
The petition further alleges that Imasuen failed to disclose his disbarment when submitting his FORM EC-9 – Particulars of Personal Information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before contesting for office.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take action, emphasizing the contradictions in Imasuen’s records and questioning his suitability for a key role in the Senate.
