The defendants, Onuoha Ikechukwu (40), Daniel Lawrence (27), Odinaka Onyeforo (37), and Ndukwe Chukwu (50), are accused of conspiracy and creating forged legal documents.
The court, presided over by Erinma Maduagwu, was informed that the accused had been operating at 2F and 2J Pound Road Extension, Aba, where they allegedly forged Powers of Attorney, a responsibility reserved for legal professionals. These documents reportedly bore the forged signatures of both living and deceased attorneys.
One of the accused, Ikechukwu, was apprehended with over 70 forged Powers of Attorney, using stolen letterheads and legal stamps from deceased lawyers. The prosecutor, Uzoamaka Emmanuel, noted that their actions violated Sections 516A(a), 484, and 465 of the Abia State Criminal Code, punishable under Section 467(1)(b).
The accused also allegedly impersonated licensed surveyors and legal practitioners, fraudulently preparing documents under the names of Van Abakwuo, Mr. Izuchukwu Onyeoma, and Joshua Onyekachi Emele ESQ. All four defendants pleaded not guilty, and their bail hearing has been scheduled for October 25.
Charles Oluchukwu, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aba branch, condemned the alleged actions. He emphasized that the Bar passed a resolution to prosecute such individuals and report any aiding lawyers to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee in Abuja.
Additionally, a five-member Anti-Fake Lawyers and Car Stickers Committee, led by Uchenna Ejiogu, has been established to combat these activities. Oluchukwu warned the public against patronizing these “quacks,” highlighting that many of their documents are defective. He further urged cybercafe operators to avoid engaging in illegal practices, stating, “We will not spare anyone involved.”