The Ebonyi State Police Command said its operatives have arrested one Ugwumba Enyinnaya for allegedly posing as a qualified legal practitioner and engaging in legal practice for over 11 years without the required credentials.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Tuesday, explaining that the suspect was apprehended following investigations into a petition bordering on obtaining money under false pretence.
Enyinnaya, the police said, allegedly collected N650,000 from one Chukwu David in March 2026, claiming he would facilitate the processing and approval of a street-naming request in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state. The petitioner reportedly entrusted the money to the suspect after he presented himself as an experienced lawyer capable of handling the transaction.
However, investigations by police operatives subsequently revealed that Enyinnaya had allegedly been impersonating a legal practitioner for more than a decade. Police said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he was not a qualified lawyer.
Ukandu said a search conducted at his residence reportedly led to the recovery of several items, including a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal, a portrait showing him dressed in barrister’s attire, a legal wig and gown, and purported Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Other exhibits recovered included court judgments allegedly obtained by the suspect and several legal documents purportedly prepared by him, including powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance. The command confirmed that the suspect had been charged to court.
Commenting on the development, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Okafor, lauded the investigating officers for exposing the alleged impersonation. She advised residents to exercise caution when engaging individuals offering legal services and ensure that their professional qualifications are properly verified.
The commissioner further encouraged members of the public to report suspicious individuals and activities to the police to prevent unsuspecting citizens from falling victim to fraud.
