By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has interrogated a suspected fake lawyer, John Anoruo, over allegations of impersonation and possession of a forged Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal.
The suspect was arrested on Monday, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos Srate, where he reportedly runs a legal and educational consultancy, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.
The EFCC said the investigation followed a petition dated September 22, 2025, submitted by Anoruo on behalf of clients against Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited.
However, investigators later discovered that both the petition and a subsequent letter of withdrawal dated March 5, 2026, bore what was identified as a forged NBA seal.
During interrogation, Anoruo allegedly admitted obtaining the seal from an undisclosed business centre in Lagos.
Further checks by the commission revealed that although the 55-year-old claimed to have obtained a law degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2018, through part-time studies, he did not attend the Nigerian Law School, a mandatory requirement for legal practice in Nigeria.
The commission stated that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The case reflected a recurring pattern of legal impersonation in the country. In 2018, a Lagos-based impostor was exposed after allegedly practising law for about 15 years without qualification, while in 2025, another suspect was arrested in Delta State after reportedly appearing in court as a lawyer before his identity was questioned.
There have also been several convictions involving forged Nigerian Bar Association seals and related documents, underscoring persistent concerns over professional impersonation and document fraud within the legal system.