The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has slammed a Two- year suspension on a Lagos-based lawyer Williams-Joel for professional misconduct, corruption, and betraying the ethical standards of the legal profession.
The case arose from a petition by Mr. Uche Njoku, a Hong Kong-based real estate investor, alleging that the Respondent mismanaged ₦22.5 million meant for land surveys and acquisitions in Akodo and Epe, Lagos. Mr. N claimed the Respondent received ₦12 million and ₦10.5 million but failed to deliver survey plans, presented a forged record, and refused to account for the funds. He further alleged mismanagement of over ₦150 million for other projects, breach of confidentiality, and violation of Rule 7(3) of the RPC by engaging in real estate business. The matter, which began on 29th December 2020, involved extensive filings, testimonies, and final written addresses by counsel for both parties.
Mr. Njoku accused the Respondent of mismanaging over ₦170 million for land projects, forging documents, breaching confidentiality, and violating professional rules.
The Committee acknowledged Njoku’s partial recovery but found the Respondent still guilty of misconduct, ordering a two-year suspension and a ₦4.5 million refund, with relevant bodies duly notified.