SHOCKING: Court Remands Fake Lawyer Over ₦18.5m Property Fraud
A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of Oruhu Emmanuel Odey, a man accused of posing as a lawyer and defrauding a medical doctor of ₦18.5 million in a property transaction.
The case, which has drawn unusual attention from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has sparked widespread discussion about professional impersonation and fraud in Nigeria’s legal and real estate sectors.
Odey, recently arrested by operatives from the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone XI, Osogbo, is alleged to have defrauded unsuspecting Nigerians of more than ₦50 million across several transactions. He was arraigned before Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara on a four-count charge of impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, stealing, and forgery.
Prosecutor Saheed Anifowose told the court that between December 15, 2020, and May 9, 2021, Odey presented himself as a legal practitioner to Dr. Olujuwon Philips Towoju and facilitated the purchase of two houses at Oroki Estate, Osogbo. The defendant allegedly collected ₦18.5 million from Dr. Towoju under the false pretence of acting as his lawyer.
The prosecutor further alleged that Odey forged a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stamp and seal, which he allegedly affixed to a petition sent to the Ogun State Police Command. The offences, Anifowose said, contravene Section 419 (obtaining by false pretence), Section 383 (stealing), Section 390(9) (punishment for theft), and Section 467 (forgery) of the Criminal Code.
The courtroom was filled with members of the Osogbo Branch of the NBA, including former chairman Yemi Abiona, current chairman Mauruf Adediran, and six other lawyers, who appeared to monitor the proceedings and protect the integrity of the legal profession.
Magistrate Ayilara ordered Odey’s remand at the Ilesa Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until October 21, 2025, for further mention.
Odey, who had no lawyer representing him during his arraignment, pleaded not guilty to all charges. He informed the magistrate that he is currently studying law at Benue State University, a claim that surprised many in court given the nature of the allegations against him.
The victim, Dr. Towoju, is said to be devastated by the incident. Close associates revealed that the doctor had saved for years to purchase the properties and relied on Odey to handle the legal aspects of the transaction. Not only was the money allegedly misappropriated, but the properties were never legally transferred to his name.
NBA Osogbo Branch Chairman Adediran spoke to journalists after the session, emphasizing that the association would ensure justice is served. He described the case as a critical test for the bar’s determination to rid the profession of impostors who damage its reputation and erode public trust in the justice system.
Legal experts point out that if convicted, Odey could face lengthy imprisonment terms, as each of the offences carries severe penalties under the Criminal Code.
The case has ignited public interest, with many Nigerians using social media to warn others about the dangers of engaging unverified professionals for sensitive transactions such as land purchases. Calls have grown louder for stronger public education campaigns on how to confirm a lawyer’s status with the NBA or the Supreme Court of Nigeria before hiring them.
As the October hearing date approaches, the prosecution is expected to call witnesses, including Dr. Towoju, police investigators, and NBA officials, to substantiate the charges. Legal analysts say the outcome of the case will set an important precedent for dealing with professional impersonation and fraud in Nigeria.
For now, Odey remains in detention at the Ilesa Correctional Centre, awaiting trial. The case is being closely watched by the legal community and the general public, both as a cautionary tale and as a potential milestone in Nigeria’s fight against professional fraud.