32-year-old Olumide Yerokun appeared before the Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan on Friday, accused of falsely presenting himself as a lawyer.
Yerokun, whose address was not disclosed, pleaded not guilty to charges of impersonation and obtaining money under false pretences.
According to Insp Sikiru Opaleye, the prosecutor, the alleged incident occurred on June 5 around 6:25 p.m. in the Jericho, Eleyele area of Ibadan.
He alleged that the defendant with intent to defraud falsely represented himself as lawyer Ayo Olu, Esq.
Opaleye alleged that also on June 3, the defendant fraudulently represented himself as a solicitor to PA Opadiran and served quit notice on Idayat Akapo and two others, while fraudulently presenting himself as a lawyer.
He alleged that the defendant represented himself as a legal practitioner by preparing, signing and serving statutory notice.
The Prosecutor further alleged that sometime in December 2023, at about 12. 30 p.m. at Adepoju Street, Ibadan, Yerokun did present himself as a legal practitioner to PA Opadiran.
He alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N25,000 from Akapo as a legal fee for the preparation of the Tenancy agreement.
He said the offences contravened Sections 484 and 419 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum. She thereafter adjourned the case until Aug. 14 2024 for hearing.
Folasade Aladeniyi, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ibadan branch, appeared with some members of the branch on the said case.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman, Anti-touting and Ethics Committee of NBA, Ibadan, Segun Popoola, said the association seriously frowns at such acts.
Popoola warned that the association will not fail to ensure the Prosecution of anyone who is found guilty of such acts.
