Osogbo Court Arraigns Man for Alleged ₦18.5m Fraud, Forging NBA Seal and Impersonating Lawyer
An Osogbo Magistrate Court, on Wednesday, arraigned one Oruhu Odey over allegations of obtaining ₦18.5 million from a businessman under false pretences and forging the official seal of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to facilitate fraud.
Odey, who appeared in court without legal representation, faced a four‑count charge filed by the police, bordering on impersonation, fraud, stealing, and forgery.
Prosecutor Saheed Anifowose told the court that between 15 December 2020 and 9 May 2021, the defendant falsely presented himself as a legal practitioner to an unsuspecting member of the public, deceiving him into purchasing two houses located at Oroki Estate, Osogbo.
According to the prosecution, Odey fraudulently obtained ₦18.5 million from the victim under the guise of assisting with the property acquisition. He was further accused of forging the NBA stamp and seal, which he allegedly affixed to a petition addressed to the Ogun State Commissioner of Police.
Anifowose stated that the alleged offences contravened Section 109 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State, Section 419 of the Criminal Code, and Section 383, and are punishable under Section 390(9) of the same law.
Odey pleaded not guilty to all counts. Presiding Magistrate Dr. Segun Ayilara adjourned the matter to 21 October for mention and ordered the defendant’s remand at the Ilesa Correctional Centre.
The case underscores the persistent challenge of fake lawyers infiltrating courtrooms and legal transactions in Nigeria. The NBA has repeatedly warned against impostors forging its seals to defraud the public, introducing enhanced security features in 2021. In a related incident reported in August, Zone XI Police arrested another suspected fake lawyer, Emmanuel Odeh, who allegedly posed as an attorney for nearly a decade, engaging in fraudulent legal representation, estate agency, and consultancy services.
