A fake lawyer simply identified as U.T Oghenetejiri was on Thursday arrested at the Magistrate Court, Orhunwhorhun in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspect, who appeared in a civil matter that was charged before the court, was apprehended by members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Udu Branch’s Anti-Fake lawyer Committee, led by David Omage and G. Fenfe, after he failed respond to a question posed before him by the magistrate in the courtroom.
Instead, he took to his heels as court staff and lawyers chased him to the Orhuwhorun market where he was arrested.
It was 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.
His inconsistent legal arguments and evasive answers about his law school background raised red flags.
NBA Udu Branch Chairman, Edmund Odohisi, Esq, said 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, forged a 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, pending his arraignment.
Fake lawyer arrested while appearing in case before Delta Court