Everestus Chinedu Ugwuowo, a lawyer based in Abuja, has been suspended from legal practice for five years. This decision follows a ₦29 million property fraud case involving a failed real estate transaction.
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) announced the suspension on June 20, 2025. The five-member panel, chaired by Justice Ishaq Bello, found Ugwuowo guilty of professional misconduct.
The committee ruled that he acted without proper authority when he collected ₦29 million from a client, Mrs. Grace Dauda, for the sale of a four-bedroom duplex in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.
In 2017, Ugwuowo accepted the funds, claiming to act on behalf of the property owner. However, the actual owner, Ciroma Muhammed Umar, later confirmed he had not authorized the sale.
Ugwuowo failed to deliver the property or refund the money. Since then, the client has waited in vain for her money to be returned.
The LPDC concluded that Ugwuowo’s actions violated the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners. As a result, he was suspended for five years. He must also refund ₦29 million to Mrs. Dauda within 30 days.
The ruling directs the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court to update Ugwuowo’s status on the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
During the hearing, evidence showed Ugwuowo issued a cheque from United Bank for Africa (UBA) to cover the refund. However, the cheque bounced, and no repayment has been made.
The LPDC ordered that the suspension be published in national newspapers and the Federal Gazette. Notices will also be sent to the Nigerian Bar Association, courts, Attorneys General, and police authorities.
Mrs. Dauda trusted the lawyer because of his reputation, over 15 years of experience, and his status as a Notary Public. She believed the deal was genuine. Sadly, the property never changed hands, and her money was lost.
The LPDC’s decision sends a strong message against professional misconduct. It reminds legal practitioners of the importance of ethics, transparency, and trust in the legal system.
