Ebonyi: Police arrest fake lawyer practicing for over 11 years

Ebonyi Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ugwumba Francis Enyinnaya, for allegedly impersonating a lawyer, appearing in court and preparing legal documents for 11 years without being called to the Nigerian Bar.

The suspect was arrested by detectives following a petition alleging that he had defrauded a resident of Ohaozara Local Government Area of ₦650,000.

The petitioner, identified as Mr Chukwu David, alleged that Enyinnaya collected the money from him in March 2026 after claiming to be an experienced legal practitioner who could facilitate approval for the naming of a street in Ohaozara.

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However, the suspect allegedly disappeared after receiving the money, prompting David to petition the Commissioner of Police.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that during interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed, saying, “I am not a lawyer.”

A search of his apartment allegedly uncovered a forged Nigerian Bar Association seal, a large portrait of himself in full barrister’s regalia, fake LL.B and LL.M certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, as well as a barrister’s wig and robe.

The police also reportedly recovered bundles of court judgments, powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance allegedly prepared by the suspect for unsuspecting clients over the past 11 years.

Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the operatives for uncovering the alleged long-running impersonation.

The police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said in a statement that many people might have fallen victim to the suspect’s activities.

Okafor warned members of the public to verify the professional status of legal practitioners through the relevant branch of the Nigerian Bar Association before engaging their services.

The suspect has been charged to court, according to the police.