A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of Oruhu Emmanuel Odey, who is facing trial for allegedly impersonating a lawyer and defrauding a medical doctor of ₦18.5 million in a fraudulent property transaction.
Odey was recently arrested by operatives from the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone XI, over allegations of swindling unsuspecting Nigerians of over ₦50 million.
He was arraigned before Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara on a four-count charge bordering on impersonation, fraud, stealing, and forgery.
According to the prosecution, led by Saheed Anifowose, between December 15, 2020, and May 9, 2021, the defendant falsely presented himself as a licensed lawyer to Dr. Olujuwon Philips Towoju and facilitated the sale of two houses located at Oroki Estate, Osogbo.
Anifowose alleged that Odey collected ₦18.5 million from Dr. Towoju under false pretences, thereby violating Section 419 of the Criminal Code. He further claimed the defendant stole the same amount from the victim, in breach of Section 383, punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code.
Odey was also accused of forging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stamp and seal, which he allegedly used on a petition submitted to the Ogun State Police Command—a violation of Section 467 of the Criminal Code.
During the hearing, Magistrate Ayilara noted that the defendant had previously appeared before him in 2020, a fact Odey admitted. The defendant, who had no legal representation, pleaded not guilty to all charges and informed the court that he is currently a law student at Benue State University.
The case attracted notable attention from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo Branch, with former chairman Yemi Abiona, current chairman Mauruf Adediran, and six other lawyers present to represent the association, which is listed as a nominal complainant.
Magistrate Ayilara ordered Odey’s remand at the Ilesa Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until October 21 for mention.
