Nosa Kings Erhunmwunsee

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Respondent, a Registered Foreign Lawyer and member of NKE Solicitors LLP, falsely registered two solicitors (Mr Iftikhar and Mrs Muhammad) as members of the LLP with Companies House and the SRA, and misled them as to the purpose of signing the forms, in order to obtain SRA approval since as an RFL he could not practise alone. As Mr Iftikhar was never actually a member, the Respondent effectively practised alone in breach of Rule 14(2), and also made an improper cash withdrawal from client account. The Tribunal found all allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt and, applying the Twinsectra test, expressly found dishonesty in relation to allegations 1.1-1.4. The Respondent did not appear and proceedings continued in his absence. He was struck off the Register of Foreign Lawyers and ordered to pay costs of £16,975.

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead the court
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Not misrepresent regulated status

Aggravating factors:

• Misconduct found to be at the very highest level
• Clear motive to make false representations as the Respondent could not practise alone
• Failed to engage in proceedings or provide any explanation
• Multiple misrepresentations to both the SRA and Companies House
• Misled fellow professionals who placed trust in him