A Lagos widow accused a lawyer of withholding ₦9 million from the proceeds of the sale of the late husband’s property. The grieving woman stated that the lawyer was hired to manage and sell a piece of land owned by her late husband. Upon sale, however, she accused the lawyer of not paying her the full amount.
The widow had explained that the property was being sold for ₦12 million but she got ₦3 million. The remaining ₦9 million, she had explained, was collected by the lawyer without justification. Despite repeated efforts to call him and request for the remainder, the lawyer allegedly went out of her way, she explained.
For her, she can do nothing else but seek justice. She appealed to legal authorities and the Nigerian Bar Association to take action in intervening and ensuring the money is returned.
Flashback: Past Cases of Legal Misconduct Spark Concern
The same was true in Abuja with a case reported in the news in 2021 when a lawyer was disbarred for an embezzlement involving ₦5.5 million that was meant for a client settlement. That single one triggered a clamor for tighter regulation over lawyers handling estate and finance.
Back to the Lagos Case
The widow explained to the lawyer had dealt with some of the family’s legal matters prior, and she trusted him for that reason. She was surprised and disappointed at the betrayal, especially at a difficult time.
She also cautioned the public to be careful when entering into property deals. “I never imagined one I trusted would take advantage of my circumstances in this way,” she wept.
Authorities are said to be investigating the incident, and the attorney can be disciplined if he is found culpable.
