RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Ugwumba Francis Enyinnaya, for allegedly impersonating a legal practitioner and providing legal services for more than 11 years without being called to the Nigerian Bar.
The arrest followed an investigation into a petition accusing the suspect of obtaining ₦650,000 from a resident under false pretences.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27.
According to Ukandu, the petitioner, Chukwu David, alleged that Enyinnaya collected the money in March 2026 after promising to facilitate the processing and approval of a street-naming request in Ohaozara Local Government Area.
The complainant reportedly claimed that the suspect presented himself as an experienced lawyer capable of handling the process.
Following the petition, police operatives commenced an investigation that allegedly uncovered years of professional impersonation.
The command said Enyinnaya had been presenting himself as a barrister and solicitor despite lacking the necessary qualifications and authorisation to practise law in Nigeria.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted that he was not a qualified legal practitioner.
A subsequent search of his apartment led to the recovery of several items allegedly connected to his activities.
The recovered materials included a Nigerian Bar Association seal, a barrister’s wig and gown, and a portrait showing the suspect dressed in legal attire.
Investigators also recovered purported Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Other documents reportedly recovered included court judgments, powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance allegedly prepared or obtained by the suspect.
The police said the materials would form part of the evidence in the case.
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the investigating officers for uncovering the alleged impersonation.
She urged residents to exercise caution when engaging individuals offering professional legal services and to verify their credentials through appropriate channels.
The commissioner also encouraged members of the public to report suspected fraudulent activities to security agencies.
According to the police, Enyinnaya has been charged in court in connection with the allegations.
However, details of the specific charges, court proceedings and next hearing date were not provided in the statement.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to judicial determination, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
