“Several People May Have Fallen Victim” — Police Uncover Alleged 11-Year Fake Legal Practice In Ebonyi, Recover Fake NBA Seal, Court Documents

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ugwumba Francis Enyinnaya, for allegedly impersonating a lawyer, appearing in court and preparing legal documents for more than 11 years without being called to the Nigerian Bar.

The arrest followed a petition alleging that Enyinnaya defrauded a resident of Ohaozara Local Government Area of ₦650,000.

The petitioner, Mr Chukwu David, alleged that Enyinnaya collected the money from him in March 2026 after presenting himself as an experienced legal practitioner who could facilitate approval for the naming of a street in Ohaozara.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly disappeared after receiving the money, prompting David to petition the Commissioner of Police.

During interrogation, Enyinnaya was said to have admitted that he was not a lawyer.

“I am not a lawyer,” he was quoted as saying.

Police said a search of his apartment allegedly led to the recovery of a forged Nigerian Bar Association seal, a large portrait of the suspect dressed in full barrister’s regalia, purported LL.B and LL.M certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, as well as a barrister’s wig and robe.

The police also said detectives recovered bundles of court judgments, powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance allegedly prepared by the suspect for clients over a period of about 11 years.

The recoveries, according to the command, raised concerns that several members of the public may have engaged the suspect for legal services during the period of his alleged impersonation.

Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the detectives involved in uncovering the alleged long-running impersonation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, also said in a statement that a number of people might have fallen victim to the suspect’s activities.

Okafor advised members of the public to verify the professional status of persons presenting themselves as legal practitioners before engaging their services.

He urged prospective clients to confirm the status of lawyers through the appropriate branch of the Nigerian Bar Association where necessary.

The police said Enyinnaya has been charged to court.

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