Allegations:
- Conspiracy and Impersonation: The suspects allegedly operated illegal document preparation services, stealing lawyers’ letterheads and using stamps and seals of deceased lawyers.
- Forgery: Onuoha Ikechukwu was caught with over 70 forged Powers of Attorney bearing names of living and deceased lawyers.
- False Representation: The defendants falsely presented themselves as licensed surveyors and legal practitioners
A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Aba South, Abia State, has remanded four commercial computer centre operators – Onuoha Ikechukwu, Daniel Lawrence, Odinaka Onyeforo, and Ndukwe Chukwu – in the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Aba. The accused faced a three-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation, and forgery of a Power of Attorney, an act reserved for qualified legal practitioners.
Prosecutor’s Statement:
Prosecutor Uzoamaka Emmanuel stated that their actions violated sections 516A(a), 484, and 465 of the Criminal Code Cap 80 Vol. III Laws of Abia State of Nigeria 2005.
Nigerian Bar Association’s Response:
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Aba branch, Barr. Charles Oluchukwu, condemned the actions, saying, “These perpetrators have truly dealt with us (lawyers).” Oluchukwu announced plans to prosecute individuals aiding the accused and warned the public against patronizing such services.
The trial magistrate adjourned the matter to October 25 for consideration of the defendants’ bail application.
