In a dramatic twist of political and legal controversy, suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a petition seeking the disbarment of Senate Ethics Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), accuses Imasuen of being previously disbarred in the U.S. for fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities. She argues that his past misconduct makes him unfit to serve as chairman of a committee tasked with upholding ethical standards in the Senate.
A Hidden Past?
Backing her claims, she presented a copy of the 2010 Justia New York Case Law document titled Matter of Imasuen, which she says confirms his disbarment by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Imasuen was stripped of his legal license after a client, Daphne Slyfield, filed a complaint accusing him of taking substantial legal fees and abandoning her case. Following this, he reportedly relocated to Nigeria, rebranded himself as a lawyer, and entered politics, eventually securing a Senate seat representing Edo South.
She further alleges that despite his disbarment, Imasuen never disclosed his past to the legal profession, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), or the Senate, even after being appointed to the Ethics Committee.
A Brewing Senate War
This latest petition follows a recent clash between the two senators. Akpoti-Uduaghan claims Imasuen defied a Federal High Court order on March 4 by proceeding with disciplinary action against her, ultimately leading to her six-month suspension from the Senate.
With political tensions high, the outcome of this petition could have far-reaching implications for both the Senate and Imasuen’s future. Will the LPDC take action, or will this be another political storm that passes?
Stay tuned for updates.
