EFCC ARRESTS FAKE LAWYER OVER FORGED NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SEAL IN LAGOS

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, have arrested a 55-year-old suspect, John Anoruo, for allegedly impersonating a legal practitioner and possessing a forged Nigerian Bar Association seal.

Anoruo, who runs a legal and educational consultancy in Ikorodu, Lagos, was apprehended on Monday, April 20, 2026, after investigations were triggered by documents he submitted to the EFCC in connection with a dispute involving Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited.

According to a statement shared on the EFCC’s X account on Tuesday, an investigator involved in the case said suspicions arose after discrepancies were identified in documents submitted by the suspect.

“Preliminary findings revealed that both the petition and withdrawal letter he submitted bore a questionable NBA seal. Further verification confirmed the seal was not genuine,” the investigator stated.

According to the EFCC, further investigation revealed that a Letter of Withdrawal dated March 5, 2026, also bore the same questionable seal, strengthening suspicions of document forgery.

During interrogation, Anoruo allegedly admitted that he obtained the seal from an undisclosed business centre in Lagos.

“He confessed to getting the seal from a business centre, which is part of what is now being investigated further,” another EFCC official disclosed.

The suspect also claimed to have earned a law degree in 2018 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka through evening programmes.

However, he admitted he did not attend the Nigerian Law School, a mandatory requirement for anyone seeking to practice law in Nigeria.

Legal practitioners note that attendance at the Nigerian Law School and subsequent call to the bar are essential steps before one can legally represent clients as a lawyer in the country.

The EFCC confirmed that Anoruo will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.