A man identified as Ugwumba Francis Enyinnaya has been arrested by the Ebonyi State Police Command for allegedly impersonating a lawyer and practising for more than 11 years without the required professional qualifications.
The suspect’s arrest followed a police investigation into a petition alleging that he obtained money under false pretences.
According to the police, Enyinnaya allegedly collected ₦650,000 from a resident, Chukwu David, in March 2026, claiming he could facilitate the processing and approval of a street-naming request in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The petitioner reportedly said the suspect presented himself as an experienced legal practitioner before collecting the money.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
What Police Allegedly Discovered in His Apartment
Investigations following the arrest reportedly revealed that Enyinnaya had been presenting himself as a qualified legal practitioner despite lacking the necessary credentials.
Police said the suspect admitted during interrogation that he was not a lawyer.
A search of his apartment allegedly led to the recovery of several items, including a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal, a portrait of him dressed in barrister’s regalia, and purported Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) certificates bearing the name of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Other items reportedly recovered included a barrister’s wig and robe, court judgments allegedly procured by the suspect, and legal documents such as powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance.
The discoveries have raised concerns about how the suspect allegedly maintained the appearance of a legal practitioner for more than a decade.
Police Confirm Suspect Has Been Charged to Court
The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the officers involved in uncovering the alleged impersonation.
She urged members of the public to verify the professional credentials of anyone offering legal services before engaging them and advised residents to report suspicious activities to the police.
The police confirmed that the suspect had been charged to court.
The case highlights the importance of checking a legal practitioner’s credentials before entrusting them with sensitive matters involving property, money or legal representation.
