Suspected Fake Lawyer Arrested In Lagos Court While Representing Client
A man identified as Godwin Eguabor has been arrested by the police for allegedly impersonating a lawyer while representing a client at a magistrate court in Badagry, Lagos State.
Eguabor reportedly appeared in court on Wednesday, announcing himself as legal counsel to a client. However, his legitimacy was called into question by Atule Elchors, Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Badagry branch.
Elchors stated he had received reports about a suspected fake lawyer operating in the area and confronted Eguabor during the hearing.
“I informed the court that the individual before the magistrate is not a licensed legal practitioner. When asked for his Supreme Court enrollment number, he could not provide it and instead offered inconsistent stories,” Elchors said.
Adding to the suspicion, it was discovered that Eguabor used different names in court and during his arrest.
The police charged Eguabor with impersonation, an offence under Section 380 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Presiding Magistrate L. A. Layeni granted the defendant bail of ₦1 million with two sureties in the same amount. One surety must be a managing director of a company and provide a one-year bank statement, while both sureties are required to deposit ₦25,000 to the account of the Ikeja High Court registrar.
The case has been adjourned to February 19 for further hearing.
This incident highlights ongoing efforts by the NBA and law enforcement to curb illegal activities within the legal profession.
