The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a fake lawyer identified as Ugwumba Enyinnaya for allegedly impersonating and practising as a barrister and solicitor for more than 11 years without being called to the Nigerian Bar.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the arrest followed a discreet investigation after a petition alleging obtaining money by false pretence was received.
SEE ALSO: Got the Wrong Item From an Online Vendor? How to Get Your Money Back in Lagos 
What Triggered the Arrest of the Fake Lawyer
The petitioner, Chukwu David, alleged that in March 2026, Enyinnaya collected N650,000 from him.
The suspect reportedly presented himself as an experienced lawyer who could facilitate the processing and approval of a street-naming request. The processing was to be done in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
After collecting the money, Enyinnaya allegedly disappeared, prompting the petition.
Police Findings
Investigations revealed that the suspect had been parading himself as a legal practitioner for over a decade despite lacking the necessary qualifications.
During interrogation, he reportedly admitted that he was not a lawyer. A search of his apartment led to the recovery of several items, including:
- A Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal
- A portrait of the suspect dressed in full barrister’s regalia
- Purported Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
- A barrister’s wig and robe
- Court judgements allegedly procured by him
- Various legal documents he purportedly prepared, including powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance
Police said these recoveries from the fake lawyer raised concerns that several members of the public may have engaged him for legal services over the years.
Fake Lawyer Has Been Charged to Court
Enyinnaya has been charged to court. Reports indicate he was arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Abakaliki on counts including impersonation, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence. He is said to have pleaded not guilty in at least one account.
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the operatives involved and urged members of the public to always verify the credentials of anyone offering legal services.
SEE ALSO: CBN Warns: Keeping Wrongly Sent Money Could Lead to 10 Years in Prison
About The Author
