The Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, has come under intense scrutiny following revelations that he was permanently disbarred in the United States over allegations of fraud and gross misconduct. This revelation comes just weeks after Imasuen, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, recommended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate.
Imasuen’s own history of ethical violations raises serious concerns about his credibility and fitness for public office.
Why Was Senator Neda Imasuen Disbarred?
According to Matter of Imasuen, 2010 NY Slip Op 04193, published by the New York State Law Reporting Bureau, Imasuen was disbarred in New York in 2010 after being found guilty of the following offenses:
- Engaging in professional misconduct by neglecting a legal case entrusted to him.
- Swindling a client, Daphne Slyfield, of millions of dollars in legal fees without providing legal representation.
- Failing to respond to multiple disciplinary hearings from the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts.
- Refusing to cooperate with the New York Judiciary’s investigation into his fraudulent activities.
Despite multiple summons and personal service of legal notices, Imasuen ignored all petitions and disciplinary actions. His failure to defend himself led the New York court to declare him in default and order his permanent disbarment.
| Key Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Client Affected | Daphne Slyfield |
| Main Allegations | Fraud, Neglect of Legal Matter, Failure to Cooperate |
| Court Ruling Date | May 11, 2010 |
| Final Verdict | Permanent Disbarment |
The disbarment order strictly prohibits Imasuen from:
- Practicing law in any form.
- Appearing in court as an attorney.
- Giving legal opinions or advice.
- Holding himself out as a legal practitioner.
Imasuen’s Escape to Nigerian Politics
Following his permanent disbarment, Imasuen fled to Nigeria and rebranded himself as a politician. In 2023, he contested under the Labour Party (LP) and won the Edo South Senatorial election. Despite his tainted legal history, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions—a position that requires high ethical standards and integrity.
This appointment is now facing serious criticism since it places a disbarred lawyer with a history of fraud in charge of ethics investigations in the Senate.
The Hypocrisy: Imasuen Led the Suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Imasuen’s own ethical violations contrast sharply with his recent role in recommending the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate.
- Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from a petition she submitted concerning electoral malpractice in her senatorial district.
- Imasuen initially rejected her petition on technical grounds but later accepted it after she resubmitted it with the required signatures.
- Despite his own record of ignoring petitions in the U.S., he moved swiftly to sanction Akpoti-Uduaghan, raising questions of bias and hypocrisy.
| Ethical Concern | Details |
|---|---|
| Imasuen’s Past | Ignored legal petitions and fraud investigations in the U.S. |
| Senate Role | Now oversees ethics and public petitions in Nigeria. |
| Suspension of Natasha | Led the push to sanction another senator for submitting a petition. |
Calls for Investigation and Possible Consequences
The revelation of Imasuen’s disbarment has sparked demands for:
- An investigation into whether he disclosed his disbarment before running for office.
- His removal as Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee due to his own ethical failings.
- A legal review of Nigerian politicians with criminal or professional misconduct records abroad.
Conclusion: A Case of Double Standards?
Senator Neda Imasuen’s history as a disbarred lawyer in New York raises serious concerns about the standards of accountability in Nigerian politics. His leading role in suspending Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan while having a record of fraud and professional misconduct is seen as a major contradiction.
With these revelations, the Nigerian Senate faces pressure to act: Will they investigate Imasuen’s past, or will they turn a blind eye?
What do you think about this situation? Should Senator Imasuen face consequences for his past misconduct? Share your thoughts below!
Our source: LAW JUSTIA
