In what could best be described as a strong stand for justice and weeding out unqualified individuals from the legal profession, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch, Delta State, yesterday apprehended a man allegedly posing as a legal practitioner.
The incident occurred as the NBA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professional ethics and ensuring that only duly qualified lawyers appear before the courts
The suspect, identified as U. T. Oghenetejiri, was caught attempting to represent a client in a criminal case when eagle-eyed lawyers noticed inconsistencies in his conduct. The impostor was eventually cornered and apprehended by members of the NBA Anti-fake Lawyers Committee, working in conjunction with court security personnel.
Further investigations revealed that he had been operating from a makeshift office along Jakpa Road in Effurun. Checks also confirmed that the suspect never attended law school and is not listed on the roll of legal practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court of Nigeria , a mandatory requirement for anyone legally practicing law in the country.
LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that his arrest followed his inability to respond to basic legal questions from the presiding magistrate , a development which immediately raised suspicion. Sensing trouble, Oghenetejiri bolted from the courtroom, prompting a dramatic chase through the Orhuwhorun Market as court staff and lawyers pursued him.
Court sources revealed that the suspect had been a familiar face in local courts across Udu, consistently masquerading as a certified legal practitioner.
However, his charade began to unravel as legal professionals grew increasingly suspicious of his flawed legal arguments and evasiveness when questioned about his educational background.
Chairman, NBA Udu branch , Barr. Edmund Odohisi, said: “We had been getting reports about someone parading himself as a lawyer in our courts. Our committee launched a quiet investigation.
When he showed up again at the Orhuwhorun Court, we moved in swiftly.”
“Upon his apprehension, a shocking cache of forged legal documents was recovered from Oghenetejiri. Items found in his possession included fake lawyer’s stamps and seals, multiple deeds of transfer, and files containing legal correspondence allegedly drafted for unsuspecting clients, Odohisi” disclosed.
When LEADERSHIP Weekend visited the scene, the suspect had already been handed over to officers at the Ovwian Police Station, where he was held in custody pending further investigation and arraignment.
Meanwhile, legal practitioners across Delta State have commended the swift action taken by the NBA Udu Branch, noting that the growing presence of fake lawyers poses a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of the justice system.
