Allegations Of Forgery And Impersonation Lead To Remand Of Four Cybercafe Operators In Abia

Allegations Of Forgery And Impersonation Lead To Remand Of Four Cybercafe Operators In AbiaAn Abia State Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the detention of four cybercafe operators at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Aba. The individuals charged are Onuoha Ikechukwu, 40; Daniel Lawrence, 27; Odinaka Onyeforo, 37; and Ndukwe Chukwu, 50, facing allegations of conspiracy, impersonation, and forgery.

During a session supervised by Erinma Maduagwu, the court was informed that the defendants allegedly engaged in the unauthorized creation and distribution of Powers of Attorney by forging the signatures of both living and deceased attorneys, a privilege reserved for licensed legal professionals. The accused reportedly operated from locations 2F and 2J Pound Road Extension in Aba.

According to the charge sheet, Ikechukwu was found in possession of over 70 forged Powers of Attorney, using stolen letterheads and legal stamps belonging to deceased lawyers. Prosecutor Uzoamaka Emmanuel stated that these actions violate Sections 516A(a), 484, and 465 of the Criminal Code of Abia State, which are punishable under Section 467(1)(b).

The defendants were also accused of impersonating licensed surveyors and legal practitioners, preparing fraudulent documents under the names of Van Abakwuo, Izuchukwu Onyeoma, and Joshua Onyekachi Emele ESQ, falsely claiming legal representation for unnamed clients.

After pleading not guilty, the magistrate scheduled a bail hearing for October 25. Charles Oluchukwu, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Aba, condemned the actions, stating, “These perpetrators have truly dealt with us (lawyers). The Bar has resolved to prosecute such individuals and report any colleagues aiding them to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee for possible license revocation.”

Oluchukwu announced the formation of a five-member Anti-Fake Lawyers and Car Stickers Committee, led by Uchenna Ejiogu, to address the issue. He urged the public to avoid these fraudulent operators, warning that many Powers of Attorney prepared by them are defective. “We will begin prosecuting those who patronize them,” he stated, emphasizing that illegal practices involving unlicensed individuals will not be tolerated.

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