The Zone XI Police Headquarters has apprehended a suspected impostor lawyer, identified as Emmanuel Odeh, who had been posing as a qualified attorney for nearly a decade, primarily in Lagos and Abuja.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 30, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ade Ogunyemi, revealed that Odeh was detained by operatives of the X-Squad Section of the Zone, under the leadership of ACP Akinloye Oyegade, at a court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while representing a client on Thursday, August 28.
“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 stated that the Assistant Inspector General of Police overseeing Zone XI Headquarters in Osogbo, Emuobo Ekokotu, encouraged Nigerians to always confirm the legitimacy of legal practitioners before hiring their services.
“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 cautioned that the police would take swift action to ensure impersonators face 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 spokesperson added that the suspect will face court proceedings as soon as the investigation is concluded.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli