One Hassan Mijinyawa (aka Barrister Hassan Mijinyawa) has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force Bauchi State Command in connection with the unauthorized use of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Stamp and Seal, impersonation and forgery of legal documents.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by Adam Tanko Jibril, Esq., a legal practitioner duly called to the Nigerian Bar, upon discovering that the said Hassan Mijinyawa aka Barrister Hassan Mijinyawa falsely represented himself as a legal practitioner, using Adam Tanko Jibril’s names, identity, and NBA Stamp and Seal without his knowledge, consent, or authority.
In a petition dated January 20, 2026, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, at Yan Doka Road Bauchi, Adam Tanko Jibril, Esq. formally lodged a complaint titled “Complaint of Impersonation, Forgery and Unlawful Use of My NBA Stamp and Seal by One Hassan Mijinyawa (aka Barrister Hassan Mijinyawa) 08032821515.”
The petition, written on the letterhead of Albaseer & Associates Law Firm (Legal Practitioners, Arbitrators & Investment Consultants), detailed the criminal acts perpetrated by the suspect.
According to the complaint, Hassan Mijinyawa has been unlawfully using Adam Tanko Jibril’s NBA stamp and seal without his consent, authority or knowledge while falsely presenting himself as a Legal Practitioner.
“The said person has allegedly affixed my NBA stamp and seal on legal documents and represented himself to members of the public and institutions as me and or qualified legal practitioner, which representation is false and fraudulent,” the petition stated.
Adam Tanko Jibril categorically stated: “I wish to state categorically that I did not at any time give consent expressly or impliedly to the said individual to use my stamp and seal or to act on my behalf in any professional capacity.”
The complainant explained that the acts amount to serious criminal offences including but not limited to “Impersonation, Forgery, Obtaining by False Pretence and Personation which are contrary to the Penal Code Laws of Bauchi State 2022 and other relevant laws in force in Nigeria.”
He emphasized that “The continued use of my NBA stamp and Seal by unauthorized persons exposes me to professional, legal and reputational risks and undermines the integrity of the legal profession.”
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the suspect allegedly issued and used forged legal documents, thereby misleading members of the public and relevant institutions under the false pretense of being a qualified legal practitioner.
Following the investigation, Hassan Mijinyawa was arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command and is currently in police custody.
In his petition to the Commissioner of Police, Adam Tanko Jibril respectfully requested the Nigerian Police Force Bauchi State Command to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into this matter
- Arrest and prosecute the said Hassan Mijinyawa in accordance with the law
- Assist in reporting the matter to relevant law enforcement agencies for necessary action
- Take measures to prevent further misuse of his identity, stamp and seal and/or forgery of same
The complainant stated that he attached “copies of documents and other materials in my possession to aid your investigation.”
Adam Tanko Jibril assured the police: “Please accept the assurances of my highest professional regard. I am available at all times to provide further information and or assistance required in the course of your investigation.”
The petition was copied to three important authorities to ensure proper regulatory oversight:
- The President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA House Abuja
- The State Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Bauchi Branch, Bauchi, Bauchi State
- The Hon. Commissioner of Justice/Attorney General, Bauchi State, Bauchi, Bauchi State
This step demonstrates the seriousness with which the complainant views the matter and ensures that relevant regulatory bodies are fully informed.
Adam Tanko Jibril, Esq., categorically stated that he did not authorize the suspect or any other person to use his NBA Stamp and Seal or to act on his behalf in any legal capacity.
Members of the public, corporate bodies, government agencies, courts, and financial institutions are hereby advised to disregard and treat as null, void, and of no legal effect any document, process, or transaction emanating from the said impersonator.
This public warning is crucial to prevent further victims from being defrauded or misled by documents bearing the forged NBA stamp and seal.
The matter is currently under police investigation and further legal actions shall be taken in accordance with the law.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that the police are working to determine the full extent of the suspect’s fraudulent activities and whether there are other victims who may have been deceived by documents bearing the forged NBA stamp and seal.
This case highlights a growing concern about impersonation and forgery within the legal profession in Nigeria. The unauthorized use of NBA stamps and seals constitutes not only criminal fraud but also a serious breach of professional ethics that undermines public confidence in the legal system.
The Nigerian Bar Association has strict regulations governing the issuance and use of NBA stamps and seals, and members are required to safeguard these materials from unauthorized use.
Legal practitioners are advised to:
- Keep their NBA stamps and seals in secure locations
- Report any suspected theft or unauthorized use immediately
- Regularly monitor for any fraudulent documents bearing their credentials
- Alert the NBA and police immediately upon discovering any misuse
The fact that the suspect allegedly impersonated a legal practitioner—a regulated profession—makes the offence particularly serious, as it not only defrauds individuals but also undermines the administration of justice.
The NBA and law enforcement agencies have called on members of the public to exercise due diligence when engaging legal services, including:
- Verifying a lawyer’s credentials on the NBA website
- Requesting to see original call-to-bar certificates
- Being wary of lawyers who demand unusual payment arrangements
- Reporting suspected impersonators to the NBA and police
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about the scope of Hassan Mijinyawa’s alleged fraudulent activities and the number of individuals or institutions that may have been affected.
Police Arrest Hassan Mijinyawa Over Forgery, ImpersonationThe Bauchi State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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