Man, 32, Sent To Prison For Parading Self As Lawyer To Obtain Money From Public

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A 32-year old man, Olumide Yerokun, has landed in trouble for parading himself as a lawyer and using it to obtain money from victims before was caught in the act in Ibadan town, Oyo State. 

 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that he has been arrested and charged before an Iyaganku Magistrate Court, Ibadan, for impersonation under the Criminal Laws of the State. 

 

The Prosecutor, Inspector Sikiru Opaleye, told the Court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on 5th June,2024, at about 6. 25pm, at Jericho, Eleyele area, Ibadan.

 

He alleged that the defendant with intent to defraud falsely presented himself as Barrister Ayo Olu (Esq).

 

Opaleye alleged that also on June 3, the defendant fraudulently presented himself as a solicitor to PA Opadiran and served quit notice on Mrs. Idayat Akapo and two others, while fraudulently presenting himself as a lawyer.

 

He alleged that the defendant presented himself as a legal practitioner by preparing, signing and serving statutory notice.

The Prosecutor further alleged that sometime in December 2023, at about 12. 30pm at Adepoju Street, Ibadan, Yerokun did present himself as a legal practioner to PA Opadiran. 

He alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N25, 000 from Mrs. Akapo as legal fee for preparation of Tenancy agreement.

He said the offences contravened Sections 484 and 419 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

 However, he pleaded not guilty 

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and addresses will be verified by the Court. 

The matter was adjourned till 14th August, 2024, for hearing while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan chapter, Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi, appeared with some members of the branch on the said case.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman, Anti- Touting and Ethics Committee of NBA, Ibadan, Mr. Segun Popoola, said the association seriously frowns at such acts.

Popoola warned that the association will not fail to ensure the prosecution of anyone who is found guilty of such acts.