Senate Ethics Chair Who Suspended Natasha, Disbarred For Fraud In New York
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Neda Imasuen, who suspended Natasha Akpoti, has been permanently disbarred in New York over allegations of multimillion-dollar fraud and gross misconduct.
A document obtained by Peoples Gazette revealed that Mr Imasuen lost his bar licence after swindling a client and absconding with legal fees without making a court appearance on her behalf.
A court officer confirmed his disbarment, stating that Mr Imasuen collected money from a client but failed to represent her.
“Neda B. Imasuen, admitted as Neda Bernards Imasuen, is disbarred, and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law,” reads a decision of the Grievance Committee on May 10, 2010.
His client, Daphne Shyfield, had paid him tens of millions of dollars in 2009 for legal representation.
However, instead of fulfilling his duty, he fled with the money, prompting multiple petitions.
His actions violated the New York bar code and rules, yet he refused to respond to the allegations or request an extension.
The Edo South senator ultimately left the U.S. and returned to Nigeria, evading disciplinary actions from the Grievance Committee.
After several unsuccessful attempts to obtain a response, the committee revoked his law licence.
“Neda Bernards Imasuen is commanded to desist and refrain from (1) practicing law in any form, either as principal or agent, clerk, or employee of another, (2) appearing as an attorney or counsellor-at-law before any court, judge, justice, board, commission, or other public authority,” states the disbarment notice.
Despite this history, Mr Imasuen, 66, won the Edo South senatorial seat under the Labour Party in 2023 and secured the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
His past raises concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s leadership.
Last Wednesday, Mr Imasuen dismissed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming it was “dead on arrival” because she personally signed it, which he argued violated Senate rules.
However, he accepted the petition on Friday after she resubmitted it with her constituent’s member’s signature.
Mr Imasuen did not respond to requests for comments on his disbarment.
His case mirrors that of several Nigerian politicians who have fled foreign countries after legal troubles.
Former Speaker and current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also had his law licence revoked in the U.S. over corruption.
He admitted to stealing $25,000 from a client.
Mr Imasuen’s disbarment by the New York Supreme Court adds another name to the growing list of Nigerian politicians with questionable pasts occupying high-ranking government positions.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
