Former NBA member, Udeozo Richard Ikenna arraigned as fake lawyer


www.odogwublog.com reports that a former sub-committee member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri branch, Udeozo Richard Ikenna was yesterday arraigned before a Magistrate court for been a fake lawyer.
28 years old Udeozo who hails from Anambra State was arraigned for practicing law in Owerri, the Imo State capital for three years without prerequisite qualifications.
Shock, bewilderment was yesterday visible at the premises of the Owerri High Court as 28 years old Udeozo popularly called De Law was paraded as a fake lawyer.
A drama had played out before the court as the accused person protested before the court that his picture was being circulated over the social media by his former colleagues as a fake lawyer.
Before his plea was taken, he told the court that "Your Worship, my original bar certificate fell inside water. l presented the photocopy to the Owerri NBA Chairman yet they is (sic) sharing my picture on Facebook and whatsapp. l is (sic) not a fake lawyer".
He was arraigned on a seven count charge ranging from impersonation, forgery, and false information.
He was accused of presenting a forged certificate of call to bar; forged stamp and seal for lawyers which he used to file court processes; forged Nigerian Bar certificate which are punishable under section 467 of the criminal code, cap 30, vol II, laws of Eastern Nigeria 1963 as applicable in Imo State.
The alleged fake lawyer was alleged to have sworn an affidavit at the Owerri High Court changing his name from Amanoh Richard Ikenna to Udeozo Richard Ikenna; as well as publishing same in Vanguard newspaper dated 24th September 2012.
The premises of the Owerri High Court turned to a mecca of sorts as Lawyers and court staff emptied into the court to catch a glimpse of Udeozo.
Police Prosecutor, S. N. Onwuchekwa had applied to the Magistrate to remand Udeozo in prison.
Addressing the court, the Owerri NBA Chairman, Lawrence Nwaekiti who held a watching brief for the bar alongside 40 other lawyers opposed to the court granting him bail.
He argued that Udeozo was "a serial bail jumper" who jumped bail at the Ihialla High Court in 2014 over the same allegation, only for him to show up in Owerri to continue his illegal practice.
Nwaekiti who noted that the offence is bailable, had told the court that Udeozo has no known relative in Imo State, adding that he has been threatening lawyers who bursted his impersonation.
Trial Magistrate who had to contain the heavy human surge into her court refused to grant bail and adjourned the matter to May 10, 2017 for hearing.
Lawyers had expressed surprise at the development saying Udeozo had appeared in different courts with them; especially bail application in criminal matters.


Former NBA member, Udeozo Richard Ikenna arraigned as fake lawyer Former NBA member, Udeozo Richard Ikenna arraigned as fake lawyer Reviewed by Unknown on Friday, March 31, 2017 Rating: 5

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