There was mild drama at the Magistrate Court in Orhunwhorhun, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday, when a suspected fake lawyer, identified as U.T. Oghenetejiri, was arrested while standing in for a client in a civil matter.
The suspect’s cover was blown after he reportedly fumbled when the presiding magistrate asked him a basic legal question. Instead of responding, he allegedly bolted out of the courtroom, prompting lawyers and court officials to give him a hot chase that ended in the Orhuwhorun market, where he was eventually overpowered.
The arrest was carried out by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu branch, through its Anti-Fake Lawyer Committee, led by David Omage and G. Fenfe.
Chairman of the branch, Edmund Odohisi, Esq, said the association had been on Oghenetejiri’s trail following multiple reports about an impostor parading himself as a lawyer.
“We took the matter seriously because the integrity of the legal profession is at stake. Once he showed up in court again, our team was ready,” Odohisi explained.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had been frequenting courts within the area for months, presenting himself as a qualified legal practitioner. He was also said to have been preparing legal documents, forging seals, and operating an office on Jakpa Road in Effurun. Several deeds of transfer and other documents were allegedly recovered from him.
Checks further confirmed that Oghenetejiri neither attended the Nigerian Law School nor was his name enrolled in the Supreme Court roll of legal practitioners — a mandatory requirement for practising law in Nigeria.
The development has stirred fresh concern over the ease with which impostors infiltrate the judicial system. Legal practitioners in Delta have lauded the swift intervention of the Udu NBA, while urging greater vigilance to protect the sanctity of the profession.
The suspect is currently being detained at Ovwian Police Station and is expected to be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded
