Drama in court as fake lawyer arrested after attempted escape over magistrate’s question

A man posing as a lawyer, identified as U.T. Oghenetejiri, was dramatically arrested on Thursday at the Magistrate Court in Orhunwhorhun, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Oghenetejiri, who appeared in a civil matter before the court, reportedly panicked when the magistrate asked him a question he could not answer.

He bolted from the courtroom, prompting lawyers and court staff to chase him down to Orhuwhorun market, where he was apprehended by members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch’s Anti-Fake Lawyer Committee, led by David Omage and G. Fenfe.

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According to findings, the suspect had been frequenting courts in the area for months, allegedly parading himself as a qualified legal practitioner and representing unsuspecting clients. His questionable legal arguments and evasive responses about his law school training had long drawn suspicion.

NBA Udu Branch Chairman, Edmund Odohisi, Esq, confirmed the arrest, revealing that the association had already launched a discreet investigation after receiving reports of an impersonator.“We took the matter seriously because the integrity of the legal profession is at stake,” Odohisi said. “When he appeared again at Orhuwhorun court, our men moved in.”

Following his capture, Oghenetejiri was detained with the help of court security and later handed over to the police for investigation.

Preliminary checks showed he had been preparing legal documents, forged a stamp and seal, and even maintained an office along Jakpa Road in Effurun. Several deeds of transfer and other legal documents were also recovered from him. Further verification confirmed that he neither attended law school nor was enrolled in the roll of legal practitioners kept by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which is a prerequisite for practicing law in the country.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about regulatory lapses and calls for stricter verification systems in Nigeria’s judiciary. Lawyers across Delta State have praised the swift intervention of the Udu NBA, stressing the need for vigilance to safeguard the profession’s credibility.

The Udu NBA also urged the public to report suspected fake lawyers, pledging its commitment to uphold justice and professional ethics.

(DAILY POST)