JUST-IN: Senator Natasha Petitions LPDC, Seeks Disbarment Of Senate Ethics C’ttee Chair Imasuen

The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking the disbarment of Edo South Senator, Nedamwem Imasuen, who currently serves as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition.

Imasuen’s committee recommended multiple punitive measures against Natasha for her alleged misconduct during a Senate plenary, which has led to the petition.

In her petition to the LPDC, Natasha claims that Imasuen was disbarred by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, on May 10, 2010, for accusations including fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities.

To back up her allegations, Natasha submitted a copy of the 2010 Justia New York Case Law titled ‘Matter of Imasuen,’ stating that the court found Imasuen guilty of violating multiple professional rules, resulting in the permanent revocation of his legal license in the U.S.

According to the petition, the disbarment followed a complaint filed by Daphne Slyfield, a client who paid substantial legal fees to Imasuen, but was abandoned without legal recourse. The court’s ruling found that Imasuen’s actions warranted permanent disbarment from the legal profession in the U.S.

Following his disbarment, Natasha claims that Imasuen relocated to Nigeria, continued to present himself as a legal practitioner, and entered politics, eventually securing a seat as the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District. Despite his disbarment, she alleges that he did not disclose this sanction in his political career or to the legal profession.

Natasha further accuses Imasuen of failing to disclose his disbarment in his Form EC9, the particulars of personal information submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when he ran for public office.

The petition also highlights Natasha’s concerns regarding Imasuen’s disregard for an interim order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 4, which had instructed his committee to halt any disciplinary action against her. Despite being properly notified of the court order, Natasha alleges that Imasuen proceeded to recommend a six-month suspension for her, which was approved by the Senate in plenary, showing contempt for the court’s ruling.

Senator Natasha’s petition to the LPDC raises serious questions about Imasuen’s integrity and fitness to hold his current position, especially given the sensitive nature of the Senate Ethics Committee’s responsibilities.