Michael Azuka Otobo

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

This was an application by Mr Otobo for leave to apply, out of time, for a re-hearing of his 2009 strike-off (where he had been struck off in absentia for various breaches including acting as a solicitor prior to admission, failing to respond to the Law Society, practising without a practising certificate, and misleading the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal). A prior similar application was refused in 2016 and that appeal dismissed by the High Court. The Tribunal refused an adjournment (inadequate medical evidence under Hayat and the Adjournments Policy; no evidence of efforts to secure representation/funding). On the merits, the Tribunal found his reliance on Takhar v Gracefield misplaced, rejected his unsupported allegations of fraud, conspiracy and discrimination, and held it would not be just to allow a re-hearing. The application was refused and costs of £13,196.00 ordered against him. No new findings of misconduct or dishonesty were made in this decision.