Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District in Nigeria’s National Assembly, was disbarred from practicing law in the United States due to allegations of professional misconduct.
According to Premium Times, Imasuen, a member of the Labour Party (LP) and chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, was barred by a US court in 2010 after a petition accused him of abandoning a legal case despite receiving payment.
Despite this, he was elected as a senator in 2023, now representing Edo South in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
What Led to Imasuen’s Disbarment?
Documents obtained by Premium Times revealed that while practicing law in New York, Imasuen was hired by an American client, Daphne Slyfield, for a legal matter, which he allegedly failed to handle despite being paid.
Slyfield subsequently filed a petition with the Supreme Court of New York, accusing him of negligence. The complaint was reviewed by the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts.
In July 2009, Imasuen was formally served with the petition and given 20 days to respond. However, he failed to reply or seek an extension, leading the court to treat the allegations as admitted.
New York Court Orders Imasuen’s Disbarment
As a result, the court moved forward with his disbarment from legal practice in the United States. In a ruling dated May 11, 2010, the New York Supreme Court’s Grievance Committee officially prohibited him from appearing in court or presenting himself as a legal practitioner.
The ruling stated:
“The respondent, Neda B. Imasuen, admitted as Neda Bernards Imasuen, is commanded to desist and refrain from practicing law in any form, either as principal or agent, clerk, or employee of another, appearing as an attorney or counsellor-at-law before any court, Judge, Justice, board, commission, or other public authority, giving to another an opinion as to the law or its application or any advice in relation thereto, and holding himself out in any way as an attorney and counsellor-at-law.”
Did Imasuen Seek Reinstatement?
Under New York State law, disbarred attorneys may apply for reinstatement after seven years. However, it remains unclear whether Imasuen pursued reinstatement or if his disbarment is still active.
Despite being disbarred, Imasuen has held key political positions in Nigeria. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, he played a significant role in the recent suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
