Police in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, have arrested a man accused of posing as a qualified lawyer for more than 11 years, allegedly defrauding clients and handling legal matters without recognised professional qualifications.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
According to the police, the suspect, Ugwumba Enyinnaya, came under investigation following a petition accusing him of obtaining money under false pretences.
A search of his residence reportedly uncovered a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal, a portrait of him wearing a 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.
Police also recovered a barrister’s wig and gown, court judgments allegedly obtained on behalf of clients, and several legal documents he reportedly prepared, including powers of attorney and deeds of conveyance.
During interrogation, Enyinnaya allegedly admitted that he was not a qualified lawyer, the police statement indicated.
The petition that led to his arrest involved a man identified as Chukwu David, who claimed he paid the suspect $484 in March 2026. Enyinnaya allegedly promised to facilitate the processing and approval of a street naming exercise in Ohaozara Local Government Area while presenting himself as an experienced legal practitioner.
The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Okafor, commended the officers involved in uncovering the alleged fraud.
She urged members of the public to verify the professional credentials of individuals offering legal services before engaging them. She also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
