A shocking incident has unfolded as a man who deceptively posed as a lawyer for nearly a decade has finally been caught by law enforcement officers. The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Zone XI Police Headquarters in Ogun State, bringing an end to what authorities described as a long-running fraud.
The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Odeh, allegedly practised law in both Lagos and Abuja for almost 10 years without any valid certification or qualifications. His cover was eventually blown after years of successfully convincing unsuspecting clients that he was a legitimate legal practitioner.
According to an official statement released on Saturday, August 30, by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ade Ogunyemi, the suspect’s arrest occurred on Thursday, August 28. Odeh was apprehended by operatives of the X-Squad Section led by ACP Akinloye Oyegade while boldly appearing as counsel for a client during a court session in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The statement read in part: “Emmanuel Odeh was arrested while presenting himself as a legal representative for an unsuspecting client in court. Further investigations revealed that he had been operating under the name ‘A O Emmanuel, Legal Practitioner and Public Consultant,’ deceiving members of the public for years.”
Reacting to the development, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Osogbo, Emuobo Ekokotu, expressed deep concern over the matter. He urged Nigerians to always take extra precautions by verifying the credibility of lawyers before engaging their services. Ekokotu warned that dealing with impostors not only exposes individuals to financial loss but can also lead to poor legal representation, compromised cases, and reputational damage that may be difficult to repair.
He further added, “This incident should serve as a deterrent to all criminal-minded individuals who parade themselves as lawyers or other professionals to exploit innocent citizens. No matter how long it takes, the long arm of the law will always catch up with them.”
Police authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and once completed, Emmanuel Odeh will be formally charged in court to face the full weight of the law. The development has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians calling for stricter checks within the legal profession to prevent similar incidents in the future.