32-year-old man on trial for posing as lawyer, obtaining money under false pretence
A 32-year-old man named Olumide Yerokun found himself in the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Friday, where he faced accusations of falsely parading himself as a fake lawyer.
Yerokun, who did not disclose his address, pleaded not guilty to charges of impersonation and obtaining money under false pretences.
According to Inspector Sikiru Opaleye, the Prosecutor, the defendant allegedly committed the offense on June 5 at about 6.25 p.m in the Jericho, Eleyele area of Ibadan.
It was alleged that Yerokun fraudulently posed as lawyer Ayo Olu (Esq).
Further accusations stated that on June 3, he fraudulently claimed to be a solicitor to PA Opadiran and issued a quit notice to Mrs Idayat Akapo and two others, all under the guise of being a lawyer.
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It was also claimed that in December 2023, at around 12.30 p.m on Adepoju Street, Ibadan, Yerokun represented himself as a legal practitioner to PA Opadiran and obtained N25,000 from Mrs Akapo as a legal fee for preparing a Tenancy agreement.
These alleged actions contravened Sections 484 and 419 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until Aug.14 for further proceedings.
During the court appearance, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi and members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan chapter expressed their presence.
In response to the incident, Mr. Segun Popoola, the Chairman of the Anti-Touting and Ethics Committee of NBA, Ibadan, voiced strong disapproval of such acts and warned of the consequences that will follow for those found guilty.
