A man impersonating a lawyer, identified as U. T. Oghenetejiri, was on Thursday arrested at the Magistrate Court, Orhuwhorun, in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The suspect, who appeared in a civil matter 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 to respond to a question posed by the magistrate. Instead of answering, Oghenetejiri fled, prompting a chase by court staff and lawyers to the Orhuwhorun market, where he was finally detained.
Investigations 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 suspicion among legal practitioners, prompting the NBA to take action.
Edmund Odohisi, Esq, Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, said the association had received prior complaints of an individual impersonating a lawyer and had quietly launched an investigation. “We took the matter seriously because the integrity of the legal profession is at stake,” he said. “When he appeared again at Orhuwhorun Court, our men moved in.”
Following his capture, Oghenetejiri was detained by Udu lawyers with the assistance of court security and handed over to the police for further investigation. Preliminary findings revealed that he had been preparing legal documents, forging stamps and seals, and even maintaining an office at Jakpa Road in Effurun. Several copies of deeds of transfer and other legal paraphernalia were recovered from him.
Checks confirmed that Oghenetejiri never attended law school and is not enrolled in the roll of legal practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court of Nigeria a mandatory requirement for practicing law in the country.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about regulatory oversight and the need for stricter verification mechanisms within Nigeria’s judicial system. Legal practitioners across Delta State have commended the swift action of the Udu NBA and called for vigilance to protect the sanctity of the legal profession.
The NBA has urged the public to report suspicious individuals posing as lawyers and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding justice and professional ethics. As at press time, Oghenetejiri was being held at the Ovwian Police Station, pending proper arraignment.
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