By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A dramatic scene played out at the Orhuwhorun Magistrates’ Court in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday when a suspected fake lawyer was arrested while attempting to represent a client.
The suspect, identified as U. T. Oghenetejiri, was apprehended by members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Udu branch’s Anti-Fake Lawyers Committee during a criminal case hearing.
Eyewitnesses said Oghenetejiri’s inability to respond to basic legal questions from the Magistrate raised suspicion, prompting intervention from lawyers in the courtroom.
On realising that his cover had been blown, the suspect bolted from the court premises, leading to a dramatic chase through Orhuwhorun market by court staff and lawyers. He was eventually overpowered and brought back to the court.
NBA Udu Chairman, Edmund Odohisi Esq, confirmed that the association had been monitoring Oghenetejiri for some time following complaints from the public.
“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 said.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had been impersonating a lawyer for several months, preparing legal documents, forging NBA seals and stamps, and even operating an office along Jakpa Road in Effurun.
Items allegedly recovered from him included deeds of transfer and other legal documents, which he had been using to deceive unsuspecting clients.
Further checks confirmed that Oghenetejiri never attended law school and is not listed on the roll of legal practitioners at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which is mandatory for anyone practicing law in the country.
He has since been handed over to the police at Ovwian Division for further investigation and prosecution. As of press time, he remained in custody pending arraignment.
The incident has sparked wider concerns about impostors infiltrating Nigeria’s legal system. Lawyers in the state commended the swift action of the NBA Udu branch and called for stricter verification measures to protect the sanctity of the profession.