Suspected Fake Lawyer Arrested After 11 Years of Illegal Practice in Ebonyi

By Our Reporter

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed arrest of a man identified as Ugwumba Francis Enyinnaya for allegedly impersonating a legal practitioner and practising as a lawyer for more than 11 years.

The arrest followed a discreet investigation launched by police operatives after a petition alleging obtaining money by false pretence was received by the Command.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the suspect allegedly collected ₦650,000 from one Mr Chukwu David in March 2026.

The money was reportedly paid to facilitate the processing and approval of a street naming request in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The petitioner alleged that Enyinnaya presented himself as an experienced legal practitioner while conducting the transaction.

The police said investigations following the suspect’s arrest revealed that he had allegedly been parading himself as a lawyer despite not being qualified to practise law.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted that he was not a lawyer, according to the Command.

A subsequent search of his apartment led to the recovery of several items allegedly used to support his impersonation.

The recovered exhibits reportedly included a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal, a portrait of the suspect dressed in barrister’s regalia, and purported Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Other items recovered included a barrister’s wig and robe, court judgments allegedly procured from the court, and various legal documents purportedly prepared by the suspect. The documents reportedly included powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance.

The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the operatives involved in the investigation for uncovering the alleged impersonation.

The police chief also urged members of the public to verify the credentials of individuals offering legal services and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

The Command reiterated the importance of exercising caution when engaging individuals who claim to be legal practitioners, particularly when transactions involve money and official documentation. The suspect has been charged to court, the police said.

The case highlights the need for members of the public to verify the professional credentials of anyone offering legal services to avoid potential financial losses and complications arising from improperly prepared legal documents.

Source: Ebonyi State Police Command.

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