Anti-fraud officers at the Zone XI Police Headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State, have arrested a middle-aged man, Odeh Emmanuel, for allegedly pretending to be a lawyer for almost 10 years and cheating Nigerians out of more than N50 million.

The suspect was caught on August 28, 2025, inside a court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while acting as a legal representative for an unaware client.

Emmanuel is currently under questioning at the X-Squad Department, operating under the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Osogbo.

Investigations revealed that Emmanuel ran his fake legal practice in Osogbo from 2018 to 2021, handling numerous cases while claiming to be a certified lawyer.

During this period, he reportedly tricked many innocent Nigerians by promising legal services, estate management, and public consulting. He also claimed to have offices in Lagos and Abuja.

The arrest followed careful and thorough investigation by the X-Squad, initiated after one victim lodged a complaint suspecting fraud.

Emmanuel’s deception came to light after he failed to show a Call to Bar certificate when challenged, leading him to flee Osogbo temporarily.

According to the First Information Report, he allegedly scammed over N50 million from unsuspecting clients before his arrest.

In response, the Nigerian Bar Association’s Osogbo branch Chairman, Mr. Mauruf Adediran, along with other officials, visited the Assistant Commissioner of Police heading the X-Squad. They received updates on the investigation and the scale of the fraud.

Speaking to journalists, Adediran condemned Emmanuel’s actions, saying they tarnish the legal profession and cause severe financial harm to innocent Nigerians.

He added that the NBA would ensure the suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, serving as a warning to anyone trying to impersonate legal professionals.

Police sources revealed that the case is at an advanced stage, and Emmanuel is expected to be charged in court next week.