Osun: Court Remands Fake Lawyer At Correctional Centre

A suspected fake lawyer identified as
Hassan Olalere Kamarudeen has been ordered to be remanded at Ilesa Correctional Centre by an Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State capital.

The suspected fake lawyer was arrested by the police following a tip-off, while he posed as a lawyer representing a client in a case.

He was said to have committed the offence between September 1, 2015 and September 5, 2024 at Zone 9, capital hotel area, Osogbo.

The charge sheet obtained in court on Friday reads: “That you Hassan Olalere Kamarudeen ‘M’ between 01/09/2015 to 05/09/2024 at Zone 9, Capital Hotel Area, Osogbo in the Osogbo Magisterial District did impersonate to be a Lawyer and thereby committed an offence of impersonation contrary to and punishable under section 108 of the Criminal Code CAP 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002

However, the 50-year-old suspect pleaded guilty to the allegation slammed against him.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate A.A. Adeyeba ordered that the suspect be remanded at Ilesa Correctional Centre and subsequently adjourned the case till September 27, 2024 for presentation of facts by the Prosecution.

Reacting, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Osogbo branch, Mr Yemi Abiona condemned in the strongest terms the act of impersonation of the lawyer.

He said: “The NBA under my leadership is committed to upholding the integrity and sanctity of the legal profession. Impersonation of lawyers is a scourge that undermines the very fabric of our profession and erodes public trust.

“I want to assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in fighting this menace. We will work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute anyone found guilty of impersonating a lawyer.

“Let me be clear: impersonation of lawyers will not be tolerated under our watch. We will do everything in our power to protect the public and maintain the integrity of our profession”.