The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Ugwumba Enyinnaya, for allegedly impersonating a lawyer and practising illegally for more than 11 years.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, explaining that the arrest followed an investigation into a petition alleging obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the police, Enyinnaya allegedly collected ₦650,000 from one Chukwu David in March 2026, promising to facilitate the processing and approval of a street naming project in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The petitioner reportedly said the suspect presented himself as an experienced legal practitioner.
Police investigations allegedly revealed that Enyinnaya had been posing as a lawyer despite not being qualified to practise law. The suspect reportedly admitted during interrogation that he was not a lawyer.
The police said a search of the suspect’s apartment led to the recovery of several items allegedly used to support his false identity.
The recovered exhibits reportedly included a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal, a portrait of the suspect wearing barrister’s regalia, 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.
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Other items recovered included a barrister’s robe and wig, court judgments allegedly procured by the suspect, and various legal documents purportedly prepared by him, including powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance.
The command said the suspect had been charged to court.
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Okafor, commended the operatives involved in uncovering the alleged impersonation.
She urged members of the public to verify the professional credentials of individuals offering legal services and report suspicious activities to the police.
The police advised residents to exercise caution when engaging individuals claiming to be legal practitioners to avoid falling victim to fraud.
The case underscores the importance of verifying the credentials of professionals before entrusting them with sensitive legal matters.
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