Our Team
SAMMIE ABIYE SOMIARI
SAN, MCIArb (UK) (Notary Public)
SENIOR PARTNER
SAMMIE ABIYE SOMIARI, SAN, MCIArb (UK) (Notary Public) was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999 and rose to the position of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2021. He is an energetic, motivated, upwardly dynamic Legal Practitioner with a sound academic credential and a broad range of hands-on expertise. A reliable, resourceful, result oriented and client focused practitioner, with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to surpass targets, exceed expectations and prompt service delivery.
Sammie attended the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1999, qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He started practice as a pupil Counsel with Granville Abibo (SAN) & Co, a firm of Solicitors, Notaries & Arbitrators and within two years, rose through the ranks to the position of Head of Chambers, he was appointed as a Notary Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2009. Having worked with Granville Abibo & Co for 10 years, he later founded Sammie Somiari & Associates and has grown it to the Firm that it is today.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Member, International Bar Association.
- Member, Commonwealth Lawyers Association.
- Member, Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
- Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, CJK.
- Member, Pan African Law Union.
CHIOMA DORINE KUNEHEPON ESQ.
MANAGING PARTNER
CHIOMA DORINE KUNEHEPON, Attended the Madonna University Okija, Anambra state where she obtained her LL. B (Hons), was admitted to the Nigerian bar in 2016 and qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She began her career as Operations Supervisor BTB Associates Global Services, Port Harcourt. She also worked as a Company Secretary briefly at Eluewemuno Integrated Services before joining Sammie Somiari and Associates. Dorine is calm, organized and patient. She is diligent and ensures tasks are completed within deadline. She enjoys reading, writing, researching and travelling.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
NYANATE BOMA OWUNABO, ABR
PARTNER
BOMA OWUNABO, ABR is Legal Practitioner with over ten (10) years’ experience, with active roles in commercial law practice, election petitions, property law practice, energy and power practice, family law practice, litigation and research activities. He is adept at working effectively to achieve goals both as a team member and on individual roles. He joined the law firm of Sammie Somiari & Associates in March, 2022.
He obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree from the Rivers State University where he graduated in 2013, he proceeded to the Nigerian Law School Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2014.
He carried out his mandatory Youth Service in the Office of the Attorney-General of Abia State where he was exposed to core criminal litigation as a new wig. He was also the Vice-President (Litigation) of the Legal Aid CDS where he handled some sensitive pro bono matters.
He started private legal practice in 2015 in the law firm of Granville Abibo & Co, under the tutelage of the Late renowned Learned Silk – Granville Abibo, SAN where he handled complex litigation matters. In 2016, in a bid to garner more experience, he joined the law firm of PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors which is recognized as one of the leading law firms in Nigeria and headed by Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, he grew to become the Assistant Chambers Head of the Asaba Branch of the Firm, as well as the Assistant Practice Group Head of the Energy Practice Group.
Boma is an avid litigator and has attended several advanced litigation and ADR trainings at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. He is also an Associate of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria and an LLM student at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Associate, Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria.
LEO’PAUL UGOCHUKWU OZOJIDEOFOR, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
LEO’PAUL UGOCHUKWU OZOJIDEOFOR, ESQ. is a seasoned legal practitioner (eleven years of experience) with a strong foundation in advocacy and legal representation. He obtained his LL.B (Hons.) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State in 2013, where he honed his legal acumen before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School (Yenagoa Campus). In 2014, he was admitted to the Nigerian Bar, earning his qualification as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He commenced his legal career as a Junior Counsel at Efiom Ekong & Co., Calabar manning the research department of the Firm, and gained valuable experience in various aspects of legal practice, especially in Election Petition and Banking Law. His dedication to professionalism and commitment to excellence led him to join Sammie Somiari & Associates, where he continues to apply his expertise to complex legal matters.
Leo’s areas of specialization include Land Law, Election Petitions, Family Law, Banking Law, and Chieftaincy Matters. He is committed to high standards of legal integrity, thorough preparation, and clear communication with clients. Leo believes in tailoring legal strategy to the particular needs of each case, whether in litigation or negotiation, always seeking outcomes aligned with clients’ goals.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
OLUBUSAYO VICTOR BODUNDE ESQ
ASSOCIATE
OLUBUSAYO VICTOR BODUNDE ESQ is a Legal Practitioner with a dedicated and results-driven practice with over 8 years of experience practicing specializing in practice areas such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, family law, Known for providing strategic legal counsel, meticulous case preparation, and effective representation in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Proven track record of successfully handling complex legal issues, negotiating favourable settlements, and protecting clients’ rights and interests. Olubusayo attended the University of Calabar, he proceeded to Nigerian law school Yola Campus Nigeria where he obtained his LL.B. (Hons), was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2018 and qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, he commenced his working career as a Junior State Counsel in the Eket -out Station Ministry of Justice. He proceeded to A.A.BROWN & CO, a Firm of Barristers, Solicitors and Company Secretaries; he resigned from A.A BROWN & CO after 2 years to join F.B.A Nabena & co which he was the team leader in property briefs and management for 2 years till he resigned and joined Sammie Somiari & Associates. Olubusayo strives for perfection. He is naturally drawn to working with people.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
Member Nigerian Bar Association.
KENNETH OLALEKAN OGUNJOBI, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
KENNETH OLALEKAN OGUNJOBI, ESQ. is a skilled legal professional with expertise in commercial and civil litigation, consultancy, legal writing, and advocacy. He earned his LL.B (Hons.) from Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) in 2018 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2020.
Starting his career at Ifeanyi Iwude & Associates, he excelled in externship programs before joining Streetwise Solicitors & Advocates, where he contributed to legal structuring and partnerships. During his NYSC, he served as Personal Assistant and State Attorney to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rivers State, handling high-profile legal matters.
Kenneth later worked at Fubara and Associates, independently managing legal briefs, and served as Interim Legal Assistant and Research Officer to Hon. Justice Bode Adegbengbe at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt. He is now with Sammie Somiari (SAN) & Associates, focusing on litigation, consultancy, document vetting, public speaking, and money laundering cases, bringing a solution-driven approach to his practice.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK
BELEMA SUSAN ORUPABO, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
BELEMA SUSAN ORUPABO attended the Rivers State University (RSU) where she obtained her LL. B (Hons.) and graduated in 2021. She was admitted to the Nigerian Law School (Kano Campus) in the year 2021. And in the year 2022, was called to the Nigerian Bar and qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Belema was actively undergoing Internship Programmes in law firms from her undergraduate days and finally started her legal journey after being called to the Nigerian Bar in the office of Sammie Somiari & Associates in 2023.
Her areas of expertise without limitation includes: arbitration, commercial law practice, election petitions, property law practice, and litigation and research activities.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK
- Young Lawyers Forum, Nigerian Bar Association.
OMENOGOR JOY IFEJIKA, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
OMENOGOR JOY IFEJIKA, ESQ. is a dedicated legal practitioner with a strong passion for advocacy and knowledge. She earned her LL.B (Hons.) from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt in 2021 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2022.
During her undergraduate years, she actively pursued internships with prestigious firms and organizations, including FIDA Rivers State, gaining invaluable experience that shaped her legal foundation. In 2024, she began her legal career at Sammie Somiari & Associates, where she continues to refine her expertise.
Her practice area spans across Oil and Gas Law, International Law, Corporate and Commercial Law, Property Law, Litigation, and Legal Research, positioning her as a skilled and versatile legal professional.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Young Lawyers’ Forum, Nigerian Bar Association.
ADA EMMANUELA OKAFOR, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
ADA EMMANUELA OKAFOR attended the University of Jos (Unijos) where she obtained her LL. B (Hons.) and graduated in 2021. She was admitted to the Nigerian Law School (Lagos Campus) in the year 2021. And in the year 2022, was called to the Nigerian Bar and qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Ada started her legal journey after being called to the Nigerian Bar in the office of Granville Abibo & Co in 2023 and later joined the law firm of Sammie Somiari & Associates in 2024.
Her areas of expertise without limitation includes: commercial law practice, property law practice, and litigation and research activities.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK
TAMUNOTARIBO HENRY APRIOKU, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
TAMUNOTARIBO HENRY APRIOKU, ESQ. is a dedicated legal professional with expertise spanning community settlement, environmental law, maritime law, energy law, property law, litigation, fintech law, and legal research. He earned his LL.B from Girne American University, North Cyprus in 2017, and further honed his legal acumen through hands-on experience.
During his National Youth Service, he served in the office of the Permanent Secretary & Solicitor General at the Ministry of Justice, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where he contributed to key legal processes. He also gained international exposure as a Paralegal under a third-party contract with Leigh Day International, a renowned law firm in Manchester, UK (2021–2022).
Tamunotaribo was admitted to the Nigerian Law School and called to the Nigerian Bar in 2023, qualifying as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
A highly proficient legal researcher, he is committed to teamwork, professional development, and fostering strong networks within the legal community, both locally and internationally.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
BLESSING UVIE OKITI, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
BLESSING UVIE OKITI attended the University of Benin where she obtained her LL. B (Hons.). She was admitted to the Nigerian Law School (Port Harcourt Campus) in the year 2023. And in the year 2024, was called to the Nigerian Bar and qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Blessing was actively undergoing Internship Programmes in law firms from her undergraduate days and recently concluded her National Youth Service Corps programme in the law firm of Sammie Somiari & Associates, where she was retained and continues her legal journey.
A highly motivated and result oriented lawyer with backgrounds in commercial law practice, property law practice, litigation and research activities. A strong believer in teamwork & collaboration, passionate about contributing to the legal economy through volunteer work and continuous professional development.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
EBIERE EBAKUMO SAMUEL, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
EBIERE EBAKUMO SAMUEL is an Associate at the firm. She obtained her Diploma in Law from the then Rivers State College of Arts and Science in 2015 and later earned her LL.B (Hons.) from Rivers State University, graduating with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in 2022. She proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Augustine Nnamani Campus, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2025.
Ebiere began gaining practical legal experience through internships during her undergraduate studies and formally commenced her legal career with Sammie Somiari & Associates in 2025. She brings dedication, diligence, and a strong academic foundation to her practice.
She is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M) at Rivers State University, further deepening her legal knowledge and specialization.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Member, International Law Association.
- Member, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators
PROMISE TOCHUKWU WELE, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
PROMISE TOCHUKWU WELE, attended the University of Port Harcourt, where he obtained BSc (Hons) in Geography and Environmental Management in 2006. He was an intern with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet (2005) at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Upon completion of the compulsory Youth Service Corps, Mr. Promise gained employment with Arik Air. He later resigned and secured employment with Dana Airlines as a Ticketing Staff from 2009 – 2011, and resigned to join Aero Contractors Airline as a Supervisor, Customer Service Agent, from 2012 to 2016.
Promise has a quest for knowledge; hence he obtained his Bachelors of Law from the Rivers State University, LLB (Hons), in 2022. He thereafter proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus. He passed his Bar Finals and qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2025.
He had gained experience as an Extern with the Ministry of Justice, Rivers State, and is currently an Associate with Sammie Somiari & Associates. Promise is smart, intelligent, skilful, orderly, and enjoys learning. He is currently pursuing his LL.M (Master’s) programme at the Rivers State University.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association.
- Member, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.
- Member, Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria