FULL LIST: 16 Nigerian lawyers sanctioned, disbarred in US over theft, fraud

Alexander Osondu Akpodiete: The former Florida-based lawyer faced disciplinary proceedings between 2005 and 2008, including allegations of failing to keep a client informed and taking an unauthorised $1,000 from a client’s credit card. The Florida Supreme Court disbarred him in 2010.

Taiwo A. Agbaje: Based in Maryland, Agbaje was disbarred at state and federal levels. Authorities linked his disbarment to conflict of interest, dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation. He was accused of taking $40,000 from a client for a Baltimore real estate investment

Cyril O. Chukwurah: The Texas-based lawyer was disbarred in 2015 after practising while suspended, violating disciplinary orders and failing to properly deliver clients’ funds.

Wilfred I. Aka: The Los Angeles-based attorney and CPA was disbarred in 2025 by the U.S. Tax Court and Board of Immigration Appeals following earlier disciplinary actions. Authorities cited failures in his duties to courts, clients and opposing counsel.

Chuck Odifu Egbune: Egbune was suspended in Colorado in 2023 and disbarred in 2025 after practising while suspended. He represented his sister in court without a valid licence.

Uchechi Okechukwu Nwakanma: The Houston-based lawyer was initially suspended in 2015 over unpaid fees and continuing-education requirements before being disbarred from immigration practice in 2017.

Chinyere Alex Ogoke: The Chicago-based lawyer was disbarred in 2021 after practising before immigration authorities despite an earlier suspension. Authorities said he filed appearances for 11 clients while claiming he was not subject to a practice restriction.

Ignatius Chukwuemeka Udeani: The Minnesota Supreme Court disbarred Udeani in January 2023. Authorities cited failures to protect clients’ interests, safeguard their funds, refund unearned fees and cooperate with disciplinary investigations.

John Udo: The Massachusetts lawyer was disbarred in 2010 following allegations involving misuse and theft of client funds, neglect of immigration matters and abandonment of clients. A state clients’ security board later compensated 14 former clients.

Emeka M. Uyamadu: The Houston lawyer was permanently disbarred in 2010 after felony convictions involving theft of between $20,000 and $100,000 and witness tampering.

Owolabi Salis: The New York-based lawyer was indicted in 2023 and disbarred following complaints from clients who accused him of taking tens of thousands of dollars from them.

Andrew Ndubisi Ucheomumu: Disbarred in Maryland in 2018, Ucheomumu was found to have failed to properly represent clients, refund at least $6,200 in unearned fees and avoid misleading claims in court.

Chukwu Uwakwe Oko: The Texas-based lawyer was disbarred in 2013 after a court found violations involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and practising while his licence was invalid.

Lloyd F. Ukwu: The District of Columbia Court of Appeals disbarred Ukwu in 2009 after finding that he misappropriated client funds, forged a client’s signature and falsely represented his actions.

Anita C. Kanu: The Los Angeles-based lawyer was disbarred in 2010 after disciplinary authorities found violations involving unearned fees, misleading statements and conduct involving fraud, dishonesty and misrepresentation.

Benjamin Ndi and Alake Johnson-Ford: Ndi was disbarred in Maryland in 2018 over unauthorised practice, false information about qualifications and other professional violations. Johnson-Ford, who was first disbarred in 2000, faced further suspension from immigration practice in 2021 over misconduct including client-fund misappropriation and dishonest conduct.