Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Petitions for Disbarment of Senate Ethics Chairman Over Alleged Misconduct
Accuses Senator Nedamwen Bernards Imasuen of Past Disbarment, Fraud, and Ethical Breaches
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a petition before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) seeking the disbarment of Senator Nedamwen Bernards Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The petition, dated March 20, 2025, accuses Imasuen of professional misconduct, citing his alleged permanent disbarment from the New York Bar over fraud and misappropriation of client funds.
Allegations Against Imasuen: A Troubling Past?
In her formal complaint titled “IN THE MATTER OF THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ACT 2004,” Akpoti-Uduaghan outlined damning allegations against Senator Imasuen, claiming he was permanently disbarred by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, on May 10, 2010.
According to her, the disbarment stemmed from a formal complaint by his former client, Daphne Slyfield, who accused him of taking substantial legal fees without providing representation. The court reportedly found that he violated multiple professional ethics rules, leading to the revocation of his U.S. legal license.
Akpoti-Uduaghan provided documentary evidence, including a report from the People’s Gazette dated March 9, 2025, and a case file from Justia New York Case Law 2010, which she marked as Exhibit NATASHA 1 and Exhibit NATASHA 2, respectively.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District
Imasuen’s Return to Nigeria and Alleged Concealment
Despite his disbarment, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that Imasuen returned to Nigeria and continued practicing law while also venturing into politics. She claims that he failed to disclose his disbarment in both his legal and political careers, eventually securing a seat as the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District.
Furthermore, she argues that Imasuen did not disclose this information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when filling out his FORM EC-9 – Particulars of Personal Information, an official document submitted under oath.
Senate Ethics Chairman Under Scrutiny
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the case is Imasuen’s current role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Akpoti-Uduaghan asserts that his appointment to this position—which demands the highest level of integrity and transparency—is deeply problematic given his alleged ethical violations.
“The Senate Committee on Ethics is tasked with ensuring lawmakers adhere to the highest ethical standards. How can someone with a history of professional misconduct and disbarment be entrusted with such responsibilities?” she questioned.
Contempt of Court? New Allegations Surface
Beyond his past disbarment, Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused Imasuen of disregarding a valid court order concerning her own suspension from the Senate. She claims his actions amount to contempt of court, further justifying his disbarment from legal practice in Nigeria.
What Happens Next?
With this petition now before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), the case could lead to serious consequences for Senator Imasuen if found guilty. If the committee rules in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s favor, he could face disbarment from practicing law in Nigeria, and the controversy surrounding his political career may intensify.
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