Osogbo Court Remands Man for Allegedly Posing as Lawyer, Defrauding Doctor of N18.5m

By: Pentho Goldmark  A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of one Oruhu Emmanuel Odey for allegedly impe...

By: Pentho Goldmark 

A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of one Oruhu Emmanuel Odey for allegedly impersonating a lawyer and defrauding a medical doctor of N18.5 million in a property deal.

Odey, who was recently arrested by operatives attached to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone XI, Osogbo, is said to have swindled unsuspecting Nigerians of more than N50 million in similar fraudulent transactions.

The defendant was arraigned before Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara on a four-count charge bordering on impersonation, fraud, stealing, and forgery.

Prosecutor Saheed Anifowose told the court that between December 15, 2020, and May 9, 2021, Odey allegedly presented himself as a legal practitioner to Dr. Olujuwon Philips Towoju. He reportedly facilitated the purchase of two houses at Oroki Estate, Osogbo, and collected N18.5 million from the victim under the pretence of acting as a lawyer—an offence contrary to Section 419 of the Criminal Code.

Anifowose further alleged that Odey stole the money belonging to Dr. Towoju, in violation of Section 383, punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code. He was also accused of forging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stamp and seal, which he affixed to a petition written to the Ogun State Police Command, contrary to Section 467 of the Criminal Code.

During proceedings, Magistrate Ayilara recalled that the accused had once appeared before him in 2020, a statement Odey confirmed. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges and told the court he is currently studying Law at Benue State University.

The case drew the attention of members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Osogbo Branch, who stormed the courtroom in solidarity. Among them were former chairman Yemi Abiona, current chairman Mauruf Adediran, and six other lawyers. The NBA is also listed as a nominal complainant in the matter.

With no legal representation in court, Odey was ordered to be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre. Magistrate Ayilara then adjourned the case to October 21 for mention.

Photo credit: Linda Ikeji's Blog