A dramatic scene unfolded at the Orhuwhorun Magistrates’ Court as members of the Udu branch Anti Fake Lawyers Committee of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) apprehended a man posing as a lawyer during court proceedings.
The suspect, identified as U. T. Oghenetejiri, was reportedly caught while attempting to represent a client in a criminal matter. Suspicion arose among practising lawyers in the court room as he was not able to respond to questions from the Magistrate.
Oghenetejiri instead of answering the court took to his heels as court staff and lawyers chased him to the Orhuwhorun market.
Sources at the court 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. However, his inconsistent legal arguments and evasive answers about his law school background raised red flags.
According to Edmund Odohisi Esq, Chairman of the NBA Udu branch, the association had received prior complaints about an individual posing as a lawyer and had to launched a quiet investigation. “We took the matter seriously because the integrity of the legal profession was at stake,” Odohisi said. “When he appeared again at Orhuwhorun Court, our men moved in.”
After apprehending the suspect, lawyers, with the assistance of court security handed him 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 in the roll of legal practitioners maintained by the Supreme Court of Nigeria — a mandatory requirement to practice law in the country.
The Udu NBA urged the public to report suspicious legal practitioners and reiterated its commitment to upholding professional ethics.
As at press time, Oghenetejiri was cooling his heels at the Ovwian Police Station till proper arraignment.
