A suspected fake lawyer, identified as U.T. Oghenetejiri, was arrested on Thursday at the Orhuwhorun Magistrates’ Court in Delta State.
Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch, caught him after he allegedly posed as a lawyer during a criminal case.
Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, Edmund Odohisi, confirmed the arrest in a statement made available to journalists in Warri.
“Suspicion arose among practising lawyers in the courtroom as he could not answer questions from the Magistrate. He then attempted to flee but was chased into Orhuwhorun market by court staff and lawyers,” Odohisi said.
He explained that Oghenetejiri had been visiting courts in the area for months, allegedly representing clients under false pretences. His weak legal arguments and inability to give credible information about his law school background raised concerns, which led the NBA to quietly investigate him.
Following the arrest, lawyers and court security handed him over to the police. Investigations showed that he had been preparing legal documents, forging stamps and seals, and even running an office on Jakpa Road, Effurun. Several deeds of transfer and other legal documents were recovered from him.
Related Stories:
- Two Planes Collide at New York’s LaGuardia Airport
- Two Killed, Three Injured in Manchester Synagogue Attack
Checks also revealed that Oghenetejiri never attended law school and is not listed on the roll of legal practitioners at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which is a requirement to practise law.
The NBA said the arrest highlights the need for stricter checks in Nigeria’s judicial system. Lawyers across Delta State praised the swift action and urged members of the public to report suspicious individuals posing as lawyers.
Meanwhile, the suspect has been transferred to Ovwian Police Station for further investigation and possible arraignment.
This comes just days after police in Zone XI arrested another suspected fake lawyer, Emmanuel Odeh, who allegedly posed as a qualified attorney for nearly 10 years in Lagos and Abuja.