Rita Odafe
Four individuals operating cybercafes—Onuoha Ikechukwu (40), Daniel Lawrence (27), Odinaka Onyeforo (37), and Ndukwe Chukwu (50)—are currently being held at a correctional facility in Aba, Nigeria.
Their imprisonment results from a ruling by the Chief Magistrate Court in Abia State, where they face charges of conspiracy, impersonation, and forgery.
During the proceedings led by Erinma Maduagwu, the court heard that the defendants allegedly manufactured and distributed Powers of Attorney without appropriate authorization. They are accused of falsifying the signatures of both living and deceased attorneys, a responsibility typically reserved for qualified legal practitioners.
The suspects were believed to be operating their activities from two locations on Pound Road Extension in Aba.
According to the evidence presented, Ikechukwu was found in possession of over 70 fraudulent Powers of Attorney, which involved stolen letterheads and seals of deceased lawyers.
The prosecuting lawyer, Uzoamaka Emmanuel, pointed out that their actions violated several sections of the Criminal Code in Abia State, specifically Sections 516A(a), 484, and 465, carrying punishment under Section 467(1)(b).
The accused are alleged to have impersonated licensed surveyors and legal professionals, creating fake legal documents under various names, thus misleadingly asserting legal representation for unidentified clients.
After pleading not guilty, the magistrate has set a bail hearing for October 25.
Charles Oluchukwu, the chairman of the Aba branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, criticized the illegal actions, stating, “These individuals have truly harmed our profession. We resolved that those found guilty should face prosecution, including some lawyers who aid them, as they could face consequences from the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee in Abuja, possibly leading to license revocation.”
Oluchukwu also announced the establishment of a five-member committee, led by Uchenna Ejiogu, focused on combating fraudulent lawyers and unauthorized stickers.
“We urge the public to avoid these unscrupulous operators as their Powers of Attorney are often invalid. We will also take action against individuals who engage their services,” he cautioned.
He further reminded cybercafe workers to avoid participating in illegal activities with unlicensed parties, asserting, “We will take strict action against anyone involved.”
