From U.S. Courtrooms to Nigerian Senate: The Controversial Journey of Senator Neda Imaseun that Suspended Natasha Revealed
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Senator Neda Imasuen, who currently chairs Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has a past riddled with legal and ethical controversies that have recently come to light. His history raises questions about the standards of leadership and accountability in public office in Nigeria.
In 2012, Imasuen was implicated in a bank and wire fraud case in the United States, an investigative journalist, Jackson Ude, has revealed.
According to court documents from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Case No. 12-CR-774), Imasuen was identified as the lawyer who facilitated transactions central to the fraud charges against Imran Ismile Badoolah. The indictment described him as a co-conspirator, playing a pivotal role in the fraudulent activities.
This was not the first time Imasuen faced serious allegations. In 2010, the New York State Grievance Committee disbarred him for life after he was found guilty of embezzling millions of dollars in legal fees from a client, Daphne Shyfield.
The committee’s decision read: “Neda B. Imasuen, admitted as Neda Bernards Imasuen, is disbarred, and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law.” Following his disbarment, Imasuen fled to Nigeria, avoiding further legal repercussions in the United States.
Despite this troubling history, Imasuen has risen to prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape. Ironically, he now oversees the Senate committee responsible for ethics and privileges.
His committee recently recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the credibility of a committee led by someone with such a controversial past.
Imasuen’s journey from a disbarred lawyer in the U.S. to a lawmaker in Nigeria highlights the complexities and contradictions in governance and accountability. His story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical leadership in public office.
This post has already been read at least 11276 times!
