By Akpokona Omafuaire, ORHUWHORUN
A dramatic scene unfolded at the Orhuwhorun Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as members of the Udu branch Anti fake lawyers Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) apprehended a man posing as a lawyer during court proceedings.
The suspect, identified as U. T. Oghenetejiri, was reportedly caught while attempting to represent a client in a civil matter. Suspicion arose among practicing lawyers in the courtroom as he was not able to respond to question from the Magistrate.
Oghenetejiri instead took to his heels as Court staff and lawyers chased him to the Orhuwhorun market.
Sources at the court revealed that Oghenetejiri had been frequenting courts in the area for several months, allegedly representing clients under the guise of being a qualified legal practitioner. However, his inconsistent legal arguments and evasive answers about his law school background raised red flags.
According to Edmund Odohisi Esq, Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, the association had received prior complaints about an individual impersonating a lawyer and had launched a quiet investigation. “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.”
After catching the suspect, Udu lawyers, with the assistance of court security, detained Oghenetejiri and handed him over to the police for further investigation.
Preliminary findings revealed that he has been preparing legal documents, he forged stamp and seal and even has an office at Jakpa road in Effurun.
Several copies of deed of transfer and other legal paraphernalia were in his possession at the time of arrest.
Checks revealed that the suspect never attended law school and is not enrolled in the roll of legal practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court of Nigeria — a mandatory requirement to practice law in the country.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns about regulatory oversight and the need for stricter verification mechanisms within Nigeria’s judicial system. Legal practitioners across the state have applauded the swift action of the Udu NBA, calling for vigilance to protect the sanctity of the legal profession.
The Udu NBA has urged the public to report suspicious legal practitioners and reiterated its commitment to upholding justice and professional ethics.
As at press time, Oghenetejiri is cooling his heels at the Ovwian Police station till proper arraignment.
