A dramatic scene unfolded on Thursday at the Orhuwhorun Magistrates’ Court in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, when members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu branch, apprehended a man posing as a lawyer during court proceedings.
The suspect, identified as U. T. Oghenetejiri, was reportedly caught attempting to represent a client in a criminal matter.
His cover was blown when he failed to respond to basic legal questions from the presiding magistrate.
In a bid to escape, Oghenetejiri fled the courtroom, sparking a hot chase that ended at the Orhuwhorun market where he was eventually overpowered by lawyers and court staff.
Court sources disclosed that the impostor had been frequenting courts in the area for months, parading himself as a qualified legal practitioner.
However, his inconsistent arguments and evasive responses about his law school background had raised suspicion.
Speaking on the arrest, Edmund Odohisi Esq., Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, said the association had received earlier reports about a fake lawyer operating in the area.
“We took the matter seriously because the integrity of the legal profession is at stake. When he appeared again at Orhuwhorun Court, our men moved in,” Odohisi explained.
Upon his arrest, Oghenetejiri was found in possession of forged legal documents, including deeds of transfer, a counterfeit NBA stamp and seal, and other legal paraphernalia. Investigations further revealed that he had set up an office on Jakpa Road, Effurun, where he had allegedly been preparing legal documents for unsuspecting clients.
Checks confirmed that the suspect never attended law school and is not listed on the roll of legal practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court of Nigeria — the mandatory register for anyone licensed to practice law in the country.
The NBA’s swift action has drawn commendation from legal practitioners across Delta State, who stressed the need for stricter regulatory oversight and verification mechanisms within Nigeria’s justice system.
The Udu NBA has also called on members of the public to report any suspicious legal practitioners, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the profession.
As at press time, the suspect is being held at the Ovwian Police Station pending proper arraignment.
