NBA May Disbar Prof. Adesanya (SAN) Over Allegations of Impersonation
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has begun the investigation of Professor Safiriyu Abiodun Adesanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) over allegations of impersonation. If found culpable the association may terminate his licence of legal practice.
NBA in a letter dated December 5, 2012 notified Adesanya of its decision to investigate and implement disciplinary measures against him, after the association received a petition from Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) accusing Adesanya of fraudulently presenting himself as a member of the Body of Benchers.
The Body of Benchers was established under section 3 of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1975 as amended by the Legal Practitioners( Amendment ) Acts of 1976 and 1977 and now Laws of the Federation Cap 207 1990, as a Body of Legal Practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal Profession and the body responsible for the admittance of (call to bar) of lawyers in Nigeria.
The letter, which was obtained by our correspondent, ordered Adesanya to submit his written response within twenty one days from the date he was notified. The notice stated: 'Please find enclosed a photocopy of a petition against you. You are expected to submit your written response within Twenty One (21) days from the date of this notice.'
Adesanya according to the petition, on April 23,2012 signed as one of the sponsors of Miss Kariba Biobelemoye Spiff in her application for call to the Nigerian Bar, on the basis that he was a member of the body of benchers.
The petition further stated: 'He was aware that his term as a member of the Body had lapsed and was not renewed. On April 23, 2012, this Legal Practitioner misrepresented and held out himself as a member of the Body of Benchers by presenting and holding himself out to students of the Nigerian Law School who sought recommendation to the Body of Benchers as a Bencher.
'The innocent student was disqualified but was given a last chance of presenting a valid nomination by a member of the Body of Bencher. On 17th Saturday, November 2012, this candidate presented herself to me for recommendation as a fit and proper person to be called to the Nigerian Bar. This student explained to me that she was misled by the representation from Professor Abiodun Adesanya.
Awomolo who called for severe disciplinary actions to be taken presented copies of the Call to Bar application forms which Adesanya allegedly signed fraudulently in support of the petition.As at press time, all efforts to reach Adesanya proved abortive.