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CSCCN Seeks ICPC Investigation Over Alleged Legal Credentials of Ogunsakin, Oviawe

Published

10 hours ago

October 20, 2026

By Cyril Ogar

The Civil Society Coalition Against Corruption in Nigeria (CSCCN) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of identity theft, forgery and impersonation against retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunde Ogunsakin and Angela Oviawe over questions surrounding their alleged status as legal practitioners.

The coalition made the demand on Tuesday, October 20, during a protest at the ICPC headquarters, urging the anti-corruption agency to investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action if any wrongdoing is established.
In a statement signed on Tuesday in Abuna by Comrade Kelvin Sunday Akerele, Director of Publicity, CSCCN stated that :”In a speech delivered during the protest, the coalition said its member organisation, Overt Legacy and Human Development Initiative, had submitted a petition to the ICPC chairman on October 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the professional credentials of the two individuals.”

According to the coalition, the petition followed a letter dated May 21, 2026, which it said indicated that the names of Ayotunde Johnson Ogunsakin, Tunde Ogunsakin and Angela Oviawe could not be found on the Roll of Legal Practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The group also referenced a September 19, 2010, publication by Modern Ghana alleging that Ogunsakin had been investigated by the University of Abuja over alleged examination malpractice while pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree and was subsequently expelled.

However, the coalition’s claims and the allegations referenced in the petition have not been independently verified. The individuals concerned were not quoted in the statement as responding to the allegations.

The CSCCN raised questions about how the two individuals allegedly obtained their legal qualifications, asking whether they had completed the required academic and professional training, been called to the Nigerian Bar and subsequently enrolled as legal practitioners.

It also asked whether they had changed their names after being called to the Bar, whether they possessed enrolment numbers and professional stamps or seals issued through the Nigerian Bar Association, and who their contemporaries were at the Nigerian Law School.

Citing Section 2(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, the coalition maintained that a person’s name must be entered on the Roll of Legal Practitioners before that individual can practise as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria.

It further cited Section 22(1) of the Act, which provides penalties for certain conduct by persons who are not qualified legal practitioners but practise law, use the title of legal practitioner or falsely represent themselves as qualified to do so.

The group also invoked provisions of the ICPC Act, 2000, arguing that the commission should examine any evidence of false academic or professional qualifications allegedly used to secure public appointments, employment or other official advantages.

The coalition urged the ICPC to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any provisions of the law had been breached.

It specifically called for an investigation into the law firm identified in its statement as Tunde Ogunsakin & Co, which it said operated offices in Abuja, London and Virginia. The group demanded that appropriate action be taken against the firm if the allegations were substantiated.

The CSCCN also called for a review of legal documents and proceedings allegedly handled by the individuals, as well as steps to prevent them from evading investigation. Any decision to invalidate court proceedings, restrict travel or make arrests, however, would have to be taken by the appropriate authorities in accordance with applicable laws and due process.

The coalition appealed to the ICPC chairman to provide Nigerians with an update on the petition and the outcome of the investigation, warning against allowing the matter to be ignored.

Describing the protest as part of its anti-corruption advocacy, the group said it was acting in line with the principle that citizens should report suspected wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities.

It also thanked members of the media for their support, saying the campaign was aimed at protecting the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring accountability.

The ICPC’s response to the petition was not included in the coalition’s statement. The allegations remain allegations pending independent verification and any findings by the relevant authorities.

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KWYC Warns Karimi Against Actions That Could Undermine APC in Kogi West

Published

1 day ago

October 19, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

A political pressure group in Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi West Youth for Change (KWYC), has criticised Senator Sunday Karimi over alleged attempts to discredit Local Government Councils in Kogi State, warning that such actions could weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of future elections.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Olurotimi, the group faulted the senator’s reported claim that each local government area in the state receives an average of ₦500 million monthly from the Federation Account.

KWYC argued that such claims could create unnecessary tension between residents and elected council chairmen, insisting that local governments should be encouraged to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity rather than face what it described as politically motivated criticism.

“Security is expensive, and protecting lives and property requires substantial financial commitment. The Local Government Chairmen are working alongside the State Government and security agencies to make our communities safer,” the statement said.

The group urged political leaders to support these efforts, warning that public statements capable of eroding confidence in elected representatives could undermine collective efforts to address security challenges.

KWYC also recalled Karimi’s reported declaration at a function in Kabba that the governorship of Kogi State should go to Kogi West. It described the position as premature, noting that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is still serving his first term.

According to the group, political ambitions should be pursued with discipline and respect for party procedures, stressing that personal interests must not be allowed to generate divisions within the APC.

The group further raised concerns over the senator’s alleged political activities outside his immediate constituency, including reported scholarship interventions for students in Kogi East and efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the district.

While acknowledging that scholarship support for students outside one’s constituency could be commendable, KWYC alleged that some of the senator’s supporters were backing opposition candidates in House of Representatives and Kogi State House of Assembly elections in Kogi West.

“It is politically self-defeating for anyone to weaken the very platform on which he stands for election. The APC is built on collective effort, shared responsibility and loyalty,” the statement added.

The group warned that, if established, the alleged activities could undermine the senator’s re-election prospects and weaken the party’s grassroots structures across Kogi West.

KWYC expressed support for the local government chairmen, commending their efforts to address insecurity and calling for stronger collaboration among the state government, councils, security agencies and community leaders.

It stressed that tackling insecurity requires adequate funding, intelligence gathering, operational coordination and public cooperation, adding that political considerations should not be allowed to derail ongoing security initiatives.

The group consequently urged Karimi to exercise restraint in his public comments and use established party structures to resolve disagreements rather than engage in activities capable of deepening divisions.

KWYC reaffirmed its support for Governor Ododo’s security efforts and called on APC leaders to prioritise party unity, public safety and the welfare of residents.

“We will not allow anyone to destroy the unity of our party in Kogi State. Kogi West deserves responsible leadership, our communities deserve security, and the APC deserves the loyalty and commitment of all those elected on its platform,” the group declared.

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