The Civil Society Coalition Against Corruption in Nigeria (CSCCN) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Tunde Ogunsakin and Angela Oviawe over allegations of identity theft, forgery, impersonation and unauthorised legal practice.
The coalition made the demand at a world press conference held in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026, where it urged relevant Nigerian authorities and foreign institutions to verify the professional status of the individuals and investigate the alleged operations of the law firm, Tunde Ogunsakin & Co.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its Chief Convener, Comrade Omoba Michael, said the conference was intended to draw national and international attention to concerns about the integrity of the legal profession and the need to protect members of the public from possible misrepresentation.
According to the statement, the campaign followed Freedom of Information requests submitted by Overt Legacy and Human Development Initiative to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on April 24 and May 6, 2026, seeking official verification of the professional status of Ogunsakin and Oviawe.
The coalition said a response dated May 21, 2026, indicated that the names Ayotunde Johnson Ogunsakin, Tunde Ogunsakin and Angela Oviawe were not found on the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
CSCCN said the response raised concerns about legal services allegedly provided through Tunde Ogunsakin & Co., which it identified as operating from No. 101, Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi District, Abuja.
The coalition also cited reports concerning the firm’s alleged overseas operations in the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as a 2010 publication by Modern Ghana concerning alleged examination malpractice involving Ogunsakin during his studies at the University of Abuja.
These claims have not been independently verified for this report. The allegations should not be treated as established findings of criminal wrongdoing, and the individuals concerned should have an opportunity to respond.
CSCCN cites Legal Practitioners Act
The coalition referenced Sections 2(1) and 22(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, arguing that entitlement to practise as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria depends on the applicable legal requirements, including enrolment on the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
It also cited provisions of the Penal Code Act applicable in the Federal Capital Territory relating to forgery and the use of forged documents.
CSCCN said it was in possession of petitions reportedly submitted by Overt on October 9, 2026, to institutions including the ICPC and Nigeria Police Force. It added that petitions were also directed to the Presidency through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, the British High Commission and the United States Embassy.
Coalition makes five demands
The group urged the ICPC and the police to investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action if sufficient admissible evidence is established.
It also called on the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to examine the alleged operations of Tunde Ogunsakin & Co. in Abuja and any linked foreign offices, and to take appropriate regulatory action if violations are established.
CSCCN further asked the British High Commission to refer the firm’s alleged UK operations to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for verification and investigation, while urging the United States Embassy to refer the alleged Virginia operations to the appropriate authorities.
The coalition also called for the identification and appropriate legal review of agreements, contracts, deeds, affidavits, court processes and other documents that may have been prepared or issued without the requisite professional authority.
In addition, it urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to coordinate relevant agencies and facilitate verification of records and engagement with foreign authorities.
CSCCN threatens peaceful protest
The coalition gave the institutions and authorities it said had been petitioned 48 hours from October 12 to demonstrate that meaningful steps had been initiated to address the allegations.
It warned that failure to act within the period would prompt a mass protest at the ICPC and Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja.
Michael said any protest would be peaceful and conducted in accordance with the law, while urging the media and concerned citizens to support the call for accountability.
The coalition maintained that its demands were made in the public interest. However, any determination of criminal liability or professional misconduct rests with the appropriate authorities following a fair investigation and due process.
