“He Operated A Law Firm Despite Not Being A Registered Lawyer” — Gombe Court Remands 36-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Impersonation

A Chief Magistrate Court No. 9 in Gombe has ordered the remand of a 36-year-old man, Freedom Nweke, popularly known as Andre A. Lion, at the Gombe Medium Custodial Centre over allegations that he impersonated a legal practitioner and operated a law firm despite not being a registered lawyer.

Nweke, who hails from Bukuru in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, is accused of falsely presenting himself as a lawyer and operating a law firm in Gombe.

The state prosecutor, Barrister B.A. Mahmoud, told the court that between July 2025 and March 2026, the defendant allegedly operated a law firm under the business name Diamond Chambers at Umma Plaza, Sabonline, Gombe.

Mahmoud alleged that Nweke presented himself as “Barrister Andre A. Lion” and received a courtesy visit from executives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe State Branch, who allegedly believed he was a member of the legal profession.

“The defendant presented himself as a legal practitioner and operated a law firm despite not being a registered lawyer,” the prosecutor told the court.

Mahmoud said the alleged offence contravened Section 132 of the Penal Code Law.

When the charge was read to him, Nweke pleaded not guilty.

His counsel, Barrister E.C. Uwakwe, subsequently made an oral application for bail, relying on Section 177 of the Gombe State Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Uwakwe urged the court to admit his client to bail, arguing that he remained presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and we urge the court to admit him to bail in line with the provisions of the law,” he said.

The defence counsel also indicated his willingness to explore a plea bargain arrangement.

The court, presided over by Aliyu Adamu Galadima, however, ordered that Nweke be remanded at the Gombe Medium Custodial Centre.

The matter was adjourned until November 17, 2026, to enable the defence counsel to file a formal bail application.

Some members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe State Branch, attended the proceedings to observe the case.

They included K.K. Jimoh, Esq.; Babangida Sambo, Esq.; Hayatu, Esq.; and F.T. Waziri, Esq.

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