Fake Lawyer, 55, Arrested During Sitting At Lagos State High Court

MICHAEL AKINOLA

A 55-year old fake lawyer, Taiwo Ayinde Olanayo, has been arrested inside the Lagos State High Court, where he went to represent a client and the Presiding Judge discovered that he was fake.

He had appeared before the Court and while arguing a matter before a High Court Judge, it was discovered that he was a fake lawyer and he was handed over to the Police at Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Command for prosecution. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at the High Court presided by Justice A.O. Adeyemi while being interrogated over the documents he presented as a lawyer and member of the Nigeria Bar Association. 

The fake lawyer has been arraigned before the Ogba Magistrate Court for impersonation.

The Police alleged that Olanayo appeared in the Court wearing Lawyer’s wing and gown before Justice Adeyemi on a suit with number ID/8447W1/2021 between Mrs. Veronica Madoyeme as petition and Godwin Madoyeme, who was the respondent before the judge suspected him and probed to know if he was actually a lawyer. 

The Police stated that Olanayo insisted that he was a lawyer and presented forged documents as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and NBA practicing seal of one Barrister Geoffrey Denkemafa, which was false.

He pleaded not guilty.  

The prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since the defendant pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A Layinka, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood. 

However, the defendant was remanded in custody pending when he will perfect his bail conditions while the matter was adjourned till 26th September, 2022, for mention.