Ebonyi Police Arrest Alleged Fake Lawyer After 11 Years of Impersonation, Recover Forged NBA Seal and Legal Documents
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ugwumba Francis Enyinnaya, for allegedly posing as a qualified 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 by a resident of Ohaozara Local Government Area, Mr Chukwu David, who accused Enyinnaya of defrauding him of ₦650,000.
According to the petitioner, the suspect collected the money in March 2026 after claiming to be an experienced legal practitioner capable of facilitating approval for the naming of a street in Ohaozara. David alleged that Enyinnaya disappeared after receiving the payment, prompting him to report the matter to the Commissioner of Police.
During police interrogation, Enyinnaya reportedly admitted that he was not a lawyer.
“I am not a lawyer,” he was quoted as saying.
A search of the suspect’s apartment allegedly led to the recovery of several items, including a forged Nigerian Bar Association seal, a large portrait of him 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.
Police also disclosed that detectives recovered bundles of court judgments, powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance allegedly prepared by the suspect for clients over approximately 11 years.
The discoveries have raised concerns among investigators that several members of the public may have relied on Enyinnaya for legal services during the period of his alleged impersonation.
Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the detectives for uncovering the alleged long-running activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said in a statement that a number of people might have fallen victim to the suspect’s alleged activities.
Okafor urged members of the public to verify the professional credentials of anyone presenting themselves as a lawyer before engaging their services. She also advised prospective clients to confirm a lawyer’s status through the appropriate branch of the Nigerian Bar Association where necessary.
The police said Enyinnaya had been charged to court. The allegations have not, by themselves, established his guilt.
