CSCCN Petitions ICPC to Probe Retired AIG Ogunsakin, Oviawe Over Legal Qualifications

By Fatima Saka

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

The coalition made the call during a protest at the ICPC headquarters on Tuesday, October 20, urging the commission to investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action if wrongdoing is established.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its Director of Publicity, Comrade Kelvin Sunday Akerele, said a member organisation, Overt Legacy and Human Development Initiative, submitted a petition to the ICPC chairman on October 9, 2026, requesting an investigation into the legal qualifications of the two individuals.

Akerele said the petition followed a letter dated May 21, 2026, in which the Supreme Court of Nigeria reportedly stated that the names of Ayotunde Johnson Ogunsakin, Tunde Ogunsakin and Angela Oviawe could not be found on the Roll of Legal Practitioners.

The coalition also cited a September 19, 2010, publication by Modern Ghana, which allegedly reported that Ogunsakin was investigated by the University of Abuja over examination malpractice while pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree and was subsequently expelled.

However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and the coalition’s demands do not constitute proof of wrongdoing by either individual.

The group raised questions about how Ogunsakin and Oviawe allegedly obtained their legal qualifications, asking whether they attended the Nigerian Law School, were called to the Nigerian Bar and received enrolment numbers as legal practitioners.

It also questioned whether the two individuals had changed their names after being called to the Bar without notifying the Supreme Court and whether they possessed stamps or seals issued by any branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Citing Section 2(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, the coalition argued that only individuals whose names appear on the Roll of Legal Practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court are entitled to practise as barristers and solicitors in Nigeria.

It further cited Section 22(1) of the Act, which provides penalties for certain acts by unqualified persons who falsely present themselves as legal practitioners.

The coalition also urged the ICPC to examine whether any false academic or professional qualifications had been used to obtain public office, employment or other benefits, citing relevant provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Akerele said that if the allegations were established, the authorities should take appropriate legal steps concerning the law firm, Tunde Ogunsakin & Co., which the coalition claimed operates offices in Abuja, London and Virginia.

The group also called for a review of legal documents and court cases allegedly handled by the two individuals, insisting that any action taken should be based on the findings of a proper investigation and the applicable law.

Additionally, the coalition urged the relevant authorities to take lawful steps to prevent the suspects from evading investigation, including any appropriate measures concerning their international travel.

The protesters called on the ICPC chairman to inform Nigerians of the outcome of the investigation initiated by the October 9 petition, warning against allowing the matter to be ignored.

EMURIC Seek Reopening of Abuja Army Cantonment Mosque, Cites Worship Rights

The coalition said it would continue to press for accountability and transparency in the legal profession, stressing the need to protect public confidence in the administration of justice.

As of the time of the protest, the speech did not provide a response from Ogunsakin or Oviawe to the allegations, nor did it state whether the ICPC had formally commenced an investigation.