Fake Lawyer Arrested After Practicing for 10 Years in Lagos and Abuja

• The Zone XI Police Headquarters has arrested Emmanuel Odeh, who allegedly practiced law for nearly a decade under a fake identity.

• He was caught on August 28 at an Abeokuta court while representing a client. Police said Odeh had been under investigation for impersonation and fraud.

• AIG Emuobo Ekokotu urged Nigerians to verify lawyers before hiring them, warning that impostors could compromise cases and exploit clients.

The Zone XI Police Headquarters has arrested Emmanuel Odeh, who allegedly practiced as a lawyer for nearly 10 years in Lagos and Abuja.

Police spokesman Ade Ogunyemi said Odeh was caught on August 28 by operatives of the X-Squad while appearing as counsel in an Abeokuta court.

“Emmanuel Odeh was arrested on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at a court premises in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while standing as a legal representative for an unsuspecting client. ACP Oyegade stated that the self-acclaimed lawyer had been under investigation for impersonation and fraud.

Investigations revealed that the suspect operated under the name A O EMMANUEL, LEGAL PRACTITIONER AND PUBLIC CONSULTANT,” the statement partly read.

Ogunyemi said AIG Emuobo Ekokotu of Zone XI urged Nigerians to verify the authenticity of lawyers before hiring them.

“Victims of such impostors risk losing their hard-earned money, suffering inadequate legal representation, having their cases compromised, and even facing damage to their reputation,” he said.

He warned that the police will not hesitate to bring impersonators to justice.

“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.

The police imagemaker added that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.