A man who posed as a lawyer for nearly ten years has been arrested by operatives of the Zone XI Police Headquarters in Ogun State.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Odeh, had allegedly practised law in Lagos and Abuja for almost 10 years before his cover was blown.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, August 30, by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ade Ogunyemi, Odeh was apprehended by operatives of the X-Squad Section led by ACP Akinloye Oyegade while appearing as counsel for a client at a court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, August 28.
“Emmanuel Odeh was arrested while standing as a legal representative for an unsuspecting client. Investigations revealed that he operated under the name A O Emmanuel, Legal Practitioner and Public Consultant,” the statement read in part.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Osogbo, Emuobo Ekokotu, cautioned Nigerians to always confirm the authenticity of lawyers before engaging their services. He warned that dealing with impostors could lead to financial loss, poor representation, compromised cases, and reputational damage.
“This incident should serve as a deterrent to criminal-minded individuals who falsely present themselves as lawyers in order to exploit innocent citizens. The long arm of the law will always catch up with them,” Ekokotu stated.
Police authorities confirmed that Odeh will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.