Fake lawyer arraigned over possession of suspected stolen items in Osun
A 32-year-old man identified as Elijah Kehinde Adepoju, has been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Ilesa, Osun State, for allegedly impersonating a legal practitioner and being in possession of suspected stolen items.
Adepoju was arraigned on three counts, including false representation, impersonation of a barrister, and unlawful possession of items suspected to have been stolen.
These offenses are said to be contrary and punishable under Sections 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002 and Section 22 (1)(3)(5) of the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
When brought before His Worship, Magistrate I.R. Ladipo, he was unable to provide a satisfactory account of how he came into possession of the items, an offence contrary to Section 430 of the Criminal Code.
The prosecution, led by A.K. Ojugbele, opposed the oral application for bail made by defence counsel Ayo Adedipe, arguing that the defendant posed a flight risk.
It was further revealed that Adepoju is involved in another pending case (Mil/146/2025) under a different name — Kehinde Elijah Ojo — and is being investigated for fraud involving ₦430,000 and an ongoing ₦40 million case at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Representing the Ilesa Bar, a team of lawyers watching brief was led by Tayo Alafe Aluko, along with E.O. Ogunfunminiyi, Raymond Oki, E.O. Thankgod-Ashimi, I.F. Omidire, and Chidera Eze.
The court declined the oral bail request and instructed that a formal bail application be filed.
The case was adjourned till May 19, 2025, for hearing.
