Latest list: US-based Nigerian lawyers sanctioned for fraud, client fund mismanagement

Several U.S.-based Nigerian lawyers have faced disciplinary sanctions, including suspension and disbarment, over professional misconduct ranging from mishandling client funds to fraud and misrepresentation, though many have since been reinstated.

According to a report by Peoples Gazette, based on a tranche of documents reviewed by the publication, the following lawyers were sanctioned but later reinstated:

Kehinde Oluwaranti Jobi — New York-based; suspended in 2009 for non-cooperation with an investigation, then again in 2011 by California for incompetence and mishandling client funds. Reinstated in 2023.

Alaba S. Ajetunmobi — Los Angeles-based; suspended 90 days and placed on two years’ probation in 2011 by California for incompetence and failing to maintain client trust funds. Reinstated in 2012.

John Nwabuwane Akwuba — St. Paul, Minnesota-based; suspended in 2015 for poor record-keeping, mishandling client funds and a domestic violence conviction involving his son. Later reinstated.

Simeon Olumide Coker — Suspended 36 months in 2019 for failing to inform clients and properly disburse their funds. Reinstated in 2022.

Kelechi Charles Emeziem — San Jose-based; suspended 18 months in 2006 by California for leaving office operations to unlicensed attorneys and mishandling client money. Reinstated in 2009.

Herbert A. Igbanugo — Suspended in 2015 and again in 2023 by Minnesota for filing a frivolous federal lawsuit. Later reinstated.

Patrick Chinedu Nwaneri — Minnesota-based; suspended twice, in 2017 and 2022, by the state supreme court and the DOJ. Reinstated in 2023.

Anthony Nwosu — San Francisco-based; suspended 18 months in 2008 by New York’s Appellate Division. Reinstated in 2010.

Uchenna Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo — San Francisco-based; suspended 60 days and placed on a year’s probation in 2009 by California. Reinstated in 2010.

James O. Okorafor — Suspended two years by the State Bar of Texas for dishonesty, fraud and misrepresentation. Reinstated in 2013.

Justin C. Osemene — Washington-based; suspended two years in 2013 after pleading guilty to charges, reinstated in 2016, then placed on indefinite suspension in 2020 before reinstatement.

Bobby Gordon Okechuku Onyemeh Sea — Disbarred in 2013 for filing false tax returns and fraud; reinstated in 2016, suspended again in 2020, and reinstated in 2021.

Pius Airewele — Massachusetts/Georgia-based; suspended six months in 2012 for abandoning clients’ cases. Reinstated in 2013.