Magistrate Court sitting in Aba South, Abia State, has convicted and sentenced a 65-year-old man, Iheanacho Emenike, after he pleaded guilty to three counts bordering on impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and making use of a purported Nigeria Bar Association seal.
The case, Commissioner of Police v. Iheanacho Emenike, was heard at Court 1 of the Aba South Magistrate’s Court, with His Worship Erinma Maduagwu presiding.
The charge arose from alleged activities in June 2026 at No. 9 Ukonu Street, Aba, within the Aba South Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet, Emenike was accused in Count One of falsely representing himself to be a legal practitioner known as E.U. Iheanacho Esq., with intent to defraud one Onuoha Chinasa.
The offence was brought under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 80, Vol. III, Laws of Abia State of Nigeria 2005.
In Count Two, the prosecution alleged that Emenike obtained N500,000 from Onuoha Chinasa under the false pretence that he would prepare an Irrevocable Power of Attorney for her. The count was brought under Section 419 of the Criminal Code.
The third count alleged that Emenike made use of a purported Nigeria Bar Association seal bearing No. SCN076872, with intent that it be acted upon as genuine. The offence was charged under Section 467(b) of the Criminal Code.
Court records indicate that Emenike pleaded guilty to all three counts when he was arraigned on September 2, 2026.
Following his plea and the proceedings, the court convicted him and imposed a custodial sentence of one year on Count One, two years on Count Two and three years on Count Three.
The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the longest term of three years constitutes the effective custodial sentence. The court also imposed no option of a fine.
The development was announced by the NBA Aba Branch Anti-Fake Lawyers Committee, which described the conviction as a significant step towards protecting the integrity of the legal profession and upholding the rule of law.
The Chairman of the committee, Uchenna Ejiogu, Esq. expressed appreciation to its members and other members of the Branch for their solidarity and support during the proceedings.
The prosecution was conducted by U.E. Emmanuel, Esq., Legal Officer, Area Command, Aba, as reflected on the charge document made available to BarristerNG on Wednesday.
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