Abuja, Nigeria – Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has launched a fresh legal battle against Senator Nedamwen Bernards Imasuen, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
In a formal petition submitted to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for Imasuen’s disbarment over alleged professional misconduct. This development marks her second public rift with a senator following her previous clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the petition, Imasuen was permanently disbarred from the New York Bar in 2010 for alleged misappropriation of client funds, fraud, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities. Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that despite this, he returned to Nigeria and continued practicing law while building a political career that eventually led him to the Senate.
She accused Imasuen of failing to disclose his disbarment in his legal and political career, including in documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In her petition, she stated:
“Despite this disbarment, which was hinged on unethical conduct, the Respondent failed to disclose this sanction in both the legal profession and political space, yet he now occupies a position that requires unimpeachable integrity.”
Beyond his past legal troubles, Akpoti-Uduaghan also challenged Imasuen’s handling of her suspension from the Senate, accusing him of contempt of court.
She alleged that Imasuen disregarded a valid court order that had stopped his committee from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her. This, she claims, ultimately led to her six-month suspension from the Senate.
This petition adds to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s growing list of political battles. Her suspension from the Senate came after a confrontation with Senate President Akpabio, which she alleges was due to her refusal of his alleged advances. However, Akpabio has strongly denied the claims, and his wife has taken legal action against the allegations.
With this new petition, all eyes are on the LPDC’s decision, which could have major legal and political consequences. If found guilty, Imasuen could face disbarment from the Nigerian Bar, raising serious questions about the ethical standards of elected officials.
