Anambra: ‘Hardship Pushed Me’, Says Fake Lawyer Jailed for Impersonation

Obinna Oraezue, a fake lawyer, was sentenced to 90 days imprisonment for impersonation by a High Court in Otuocha, Anambra State.

Oraezue, who was arrested on June 13 while representing a litigant in a land case, was exposed when Justice Okechukwu Onunkwo noticed his inability to present his case properly. A viral video clip showed Justice Onunkwo questioning Oraezue, who was dressed in a lawyer’s wig and gown, and ultimately ordering his arrest. “No lawyer will do this,” the judge remarked, highlighting Oraezue’s conduct.

Upon his arraignment, Oraezue confessed he had not studied law but political science and had only spent a month at M.T Olisaeke, a law firm that hired him. He pleaded for leniency, citing economic hardship and his responsibility to support five children and an unemployed wife.

Justice Onunkwo, delivering the judgment, found Oraezue guilty of impersonation and sentenced him to 90 days of hard labor, effective from June 13. The judge emphasized that the sentence was relatively mild due to the convict’s pleas and expressed hope it would deter similar offenses. He also called for an investigation into the law firm that employed Oraezue without proper verification.

Reacting to the verdict, legal practitioner Uzochukwu Ozumba commended the court’s leniency and advised against such criminal activities, warning that future offenders might not receive the same mercy. Oraezue has been remanded at the Onitsha Correctional Centre.