A group of Nigerian lawyers practising in the United States have been sanctioned with suspensions and disbarments for serious professional misconduct, including fraud, theft, dishonesty, and illegal practice, according to documents obtained by Peoples Gazette. The disciplinary actions span multiple states and federal courts, affecting attorneys across immigration, civil, and tax law practices. These legal professionals, once licensed to serve clients in the U.S., now face permanent bans from practicing law due to repeated violations of ethical standards and judicial rules.
Alexander Osondu Akpodiete, formerly based in Florida, was suspended and later disbarred in 2010 after being found guilty of contempt of court, failing to inform a client about case status, and unauthorized withdrawal of $1,000 from a client’s credit card. Taiwo A. Agbaje, practising in Maryland, was disbarred at both state and federal levels in 2016 for stealing $40,000 from a client for a real estate investment, with the court describing him as “dishonest and deceitful.” Cyril O. Chukwurah of Texas lost his licence in 2015 for continuing to practise while suspended and mismanaging client funds, with an extensive disciplinary record leading to disbarment from immigration tribunals.
Wilfred I. Aka, a CPA and attorney in Los Angeles, was disbarred in 2025 by the U.S. Tax Court and Board of Immigration Appeals for failing to meet duties to courts and clients. Chuck Odifu Egbune of Colorado was suspended in 2023 and disbarred in 2025 for representing his sister in court without a valid licence, violating state law. Uchechi Okechukwu Nwakanma, also known as Prince Nwakanma, was suspended in 2015 for non-payment of fees and failure to complete continuing education, leading to disbarment in 2017 by immigration authorities and upheld by Kansas’ Supreme Court.
Chinyere Alex Ogoke of Chicago was disbarred in 2021 for filing notices on behalf of 11 immigration clients despite being suspended, falsely claiming he was not restricted from practice. Ignatius Chukwuemeka Udeani of Minnesota was indefinitely suspended in 2020 and disbarred in 2023 for failing to protect vulnerable immigrants, mismanaging client funds, and ignoring investigations. John Udo, admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1995, was disbarred in 2010 for stealing client funds and neglecting duties; the Massachusetts Clients’ Security Board later compensated 14 victims.
Emeka M. Uyamadu of Houston was permanently disbarred in 2010 after being convicted of stealing between $20,000 and $100,000 and tampering with a witness, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. Owolabi Salis, who gained global attention as the first Nigerian to travel to space on June 29, was indicted in 2023 and disbarred by New York State Supreme Court over allegations of scamming clients out of tens of thousands of dollars. Andrew Ndubisi Ucheomumu was disbarred in 2018 for failing to refund $6,200 in unearned fees and making false claims in court.
Chukwu Uwakwe Oko of Houston was disbarred in 2013 for fraud and practising while his licence was invalid. Lloyd F. Ukwu of Washington D.C. was disbarred in 2009 for forging a client’s signature and misappropriating settlement funds. Anita C. Kanu, also known as Anita C. Justin, was disbarred in 2010 for failing to refund fees and misleading clients. Benjamin Ndi, practising in New York but providing services in Maryland, was disbarred in 2018 for illegal practice and failing to cooperate with investigations. Alake Johnson-Ford, disbarred in 2000 for misappropriation of funds, faced further suspension in 2021 from immigration courts.
These cases highlight systemic issues among some Nigerian-origin lawyers in the U.S., raising concerns about accountability and ethical standards in the legal profession. As regulatory bodies continue to enforce discipline, the actions taken against these individuals underscore the importance of integrity in legal practice and serve as a warning to others in the profession.
Leave a Comment