Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 14/Jun 16:36

Man, 32, docked for allegedly falsely parading himself as lawyer

By Chidinma Ewunonu-AlukoA 32-year-old man, Olumide Yerokun, was on Friday docked in an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly parading himself as a fake lawyer.Yerokun, whose address was not provided, was charged with impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence, to which he pleaded not guilty.The Prosecutor, Insp Sikiru Opaleye told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on June 5, at about 6. 25 p.m, at Jericho, Eleyele area, Ibadan.He alleged that the defendant with intent to defraud falsely represented himself as lawyer Ayo Olu (Esq).Opaleye alleged that also on June 3, the defendant fraudulently represented 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 represented himself as a legal practitioner by preparing, signing and serving statutory notice.The Prosecutor further alleged that sometimes in December 2023, at about 12. 30 p.m 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 a legal fee for preparation of Tenancy agreement.He said the offences 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.She thereafter adjourned the case until Aug. 14 2024 for hearing.Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan branch, 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. (NAN)