Suspected fake lawyer in trouble after presenting himself to police detectives

By Adebisi Fatima Sogbade

A 52-year-old man identified as Tijani Kazeem has been docked for falsely presenting himself as a lawyer at the State Criminal Investigation Department,(SCID) of Oyo Police Command in Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Kareem was docked on Monday before Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court on a one count charge of impersonation, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye alleged that Tijani, on August 19, with intent to defraud members of the public, falsely presented himself as a lawyer .

Opaleye alleged that the defendant presented himself as a lawyer at the State Criminal Investigation Department,(SCID) Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Following interrogation and verification by other legal practitioners, it was established that he was an impersonator posing as a lawyer.

According to Opaleye, the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 484 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

Defence Counsel, Mr.Ahmed Opasola, however asked for the defendant’s bail in liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N750, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi said one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the jurisdiction, while the second sureties must be a blood relation of the defendant .

She thereafter, adjourned the matter until Nov. 10, for hearing.

If the defendant is found guilty of the offence, he is liable to 14 years imprisonment. – (NAN)

Source; PM News