A man identified as Ugwumba Enyinnaya has reportedly been arrested in Ebonyi State over allegations of impersonating a qualified lawyer and practising law for 13 years without the required professional credentials.
Enyinnaya is accused of presenting himself as a legal practitioner and allegedly using forged academic certificates and court documents to support his activities.
According to information surrounding the arrest, several items were reportedly recovered from the suspect, including a lawyer’s wig and gown, as well as suspected forged Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) degree certificates purportedly issued by Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
Other documents allegedly recovered include a forged judgment purportedly issued by the High Court of Obiozara under Justice Gladson Ugbala and another judgment bearing the name of Justice Frank Edem of the Ebonyi State High Court.
A suspected forged court order purportedly originating from the Customary Court of Appeal in Enugu State was also reportedly among the documents discovered.
The suspect is further alleged to have operated as a legal practitioner for approximately 13 years, during which he reportedly served as Legal Adviser to Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State under a previous administration.
The allegations have raised concerns about the possible use of falsified legal documents and the need for proper verification of professional qualifications, particularly among individuals engaged to provide legal services to public institutions.
The circumstances surrounding Enyinnaya’s reported arrest, including the agency responsible and whether formal charges have been filed, have yet to be independently confirmed.
It is also unclear whether the relevant academic institutions and judicial authorities have formally authenticated the documents allegedly recovered.
Under Nigerian law, individuals seeking to practise as legal practitioners must satisfy the prescribed professional requirements and be duly called to the Nigerian Bar.
As of the time of this report, no official statement from the suspect or his legal representatives was available.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
