The Osun State Police Command has arrested a man, Emmanuel Odey, for allegedly posing as a lawyer for nearly a decade, handling legal cases, and defrauding unsuspecting clients of more than N50 million.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
Odey, a 400-level law student at Benue State University, reportedly presented himself as a qualified lawyer while handling various legal matters on behalf of clients. During police questioning, he admitted to preparing petitions and managing cases, claiming he had the right to act on behalf of clients despite never being formally called to the bar. In a video obtained from the interrogation, Udi said: “I am a law student. I can write petitions and stand for someone in certain matters. Anybody can write petitions.”
Police officers, however, challenged his claim, questioning why he had been presenting himself as a licensed lawyer for years while collecting significant sums of money under false pretenses.
Investigations revealed that Udi operated in Osogbo between 2018 and 2021, presenting himself as a lawyer and handling multiple legal matters. He allegedly defrauded clients under various pretenses, including legal representation, estate agency, and public consultancy, claiming to have offices in Lagos and Abuja.
Odey was apprehended on August 28, 2025, within a court premises in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he was representing a client. His cover was blown after he failed to produce a Call to Bar certificate, prompting authorities to track and arrest him.
He is currently in custody at the X-Squad Department under the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Osogbo, undergoing interrogation for impersonation, fraud, and related offenses.
Following the arrest, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo Branch, led by Chairman Mr. Mauruf Adediran, visited the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the X-Squad. Adediran condemned Udi’s actions, describing them as a serious dent on the legal profession and a grave injustice to innocent Nigerians deceived and financially ruined by the suspect.
The Osun Police have warned the public to verify the credentials of legal practitioners before engaging their services.
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