Natasha Petitions for Imasuen’s Disbarment Over Alleged Misconduct

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has lodged a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, seeking the disbarment of Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen from the Nigerian Bar over allegations of professional misconduct.

According to the petition, Imasuen was permanently disbarred by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, on May 10, 2010. The disbarment stemmed from serious charges, including fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities. A formal complaint by a client, Daphne Slyfield, had accused Imasuen of misappropriating legal fees, leading to his removal from the New York Bar.

Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that, despite his U.S. disbarment, Imasuen continued practicing law in Nigeria while also pursuing a political career. Now serving as the Senator representing Edo South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, his past conduct raises concerns about his integrity.

The petition also claims 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 is urging the disciplinary committee to take action, questioning whether someone with such a record should hold a key position in the Senate.