A group of United States-based Nigerian lawyers have faced severe disciplinary sanctions, including suspension and disbarment, for fraud, theft and professional misconduct, according to legal documents cited by Peoples Gazette.
The sanctions were imposed by state supreme courts, federal disciplinary bodies and immigration tribunals across several US jurisdictions.
Among those listed is Alexander Osondu Akpodiete, disbarred by the Florida Supreme Court in 2010 for contempt, failure to update clients and unauthorized use of a client’s credit card.
In Maryland, Taiwo A. Agbaje was disbarred at both state and federal levels in 2016 for fraud, deceit and taking $40,000 from a client for a failed real estate deal.
Texas-based Cyril O. Chukwurah lost his licence in 2015 for practising while suspended and failing to deliver client funds.
Others include Wilfred I. Aka of Los Angeles, disbarred in 2025 by the US Tax Court; Chuck Odifu Egbune of Colorado, disbarred in 2025 for illegal practice while suspended; and Uchechi Okechukwu Nwakanma of Houston, disbarred in 2017 by immigration courts.
Chinyere Alex Ogoke of Chicago was disbarred in 2021 for filing 11 immigration cases while under suspension.
In Minnesota, Ignatius Chukwuemeka Udeani was disbarred in 2023 for failing to protect vulnerable immigrant clients and misappropriating fees.
John Udo, admitted in Massachusetts in 1995, was disbarred in 2010 for theft of client funds, with 14 clients later reimbursed.
Emeka M. Uyamadu of Houston was permanently disbarred in 2010 after felony convictions for witness tampering and theft of $20,000 to $100,000.
Owolabi Salis, who gained attention as the first Nigerian in space in June 2025, was disbarred by the New York Supreme Court in 2023 after allegations of scamming clients.
Other disbarred lawyers named are Andrew Ndubisi Ucheomumu (Maryland, 2018), Chukwu Uwakwe Oko (Texas, 2013), Lloyd F. Ukwu (DC, 2009) for forgery and misappropriation, Anita C. Kanu (DC, 2010) for fraud, Benjamin Ndi (New York/Maryland, 2018) for illegal practice, and Alake Johnson-Ford (DC, 2000) for misappropriation of client funds.
