Police Arrest Fake Lawyer Who Allegedly Practised for 11 Years, Recover Fake Certificates
The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, has arrested a man identified as Ugwumba Francis Enyinnaya for allegedly impersonating a legal practitioner and practising as a lawyer for more than 11 years.
The suspect was arrested following a discreet investigation launched by police operatives after receiving a petition bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the petition, Enyinnaya allegedly collected ₦650,000 from one Mr Chukwu David in March 2026, claiming he could facilitate the processing and approval for the naming of a street in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The petitioner alleged that the suspect presented himself as an experienced lawyer to gain his confidence.
However, investigations following his arrest reportedly revealed that the suspect had been falsely parading himself as a legal practitioner. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted that he was not a qualified lawyer.
A search of his apartment led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been used to support his false identity.
The exhibits included a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal, a portrait of the suspect dressed in barrister’s regalia, and purported Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Other items recovered were a barrister’s wig and robe, court judgments allegedly procured by the suspect, and various legal documents purportedly prepared by him, including powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance.
The police said the suspect had been charged to court.
The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, psc, mnips, commended the operatives for their diligence in uncovering the alleged impersonation.
The police commissioner also urged members of the public to verify the credentials of individuals offering legal services and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
