Court Remands Fake Lawyer In Prison Custody In Jos

An Area Court in Jos on Friday remanded Lawrence Abiola in Jos
Prison till Dec. 14 for allegedly parading himself as a
professional lawyer.

Abiola was arraigned in a Kabong Area Court, Jos for alleged
impersonation, criminal conspiracy and theft.

According to Police First Information Report (FIR), one Bricks
Martin of around Alama Private School, Jos, reported that Abiola
collected money from him, but failed to do the job.

Martin had told the police that he was looking for somebody to
draft a letter of administration in respect of his property.

He alleged that Abiola told him that he was a professional
lawyer who can do the job.

The FIR said, ‘‘Subsequently he engaged him and paid him N130,
000 of which he used the money without doing the job.

‘‘He also converted a water reservoir and kerosene tank from the
property amounting to N120, 000 and N110, 000 respectively.’’

The FIR indicated that the accused obtained a diploma in law
from University of Jos in 2006.

He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, English Language and
Literature from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State with
matriculation no: 0507929.

The FIR also showed that Abiola has an NYSC discharge
certificate with no: A00234469.

After the report was read in court, Abiola pleaded not guilty to
the charge.

His counsel, Mr F. T. Gwande, made an oral application for bail
citing sections 312, 322, 323 and 36(6) of the 1999 constitution as
amended.

Gwande argued that all that was read were mere allegations which
had yet to be proven, adding that his client was entitled to bail
and will not jump bail, if granted.

But the Prosecutor, Ezekiel Galadimma opposed the bail and
submitted that due to the seriousness of the offence, the court
should not grant bail to the accused.

Galadimma added that the bail application should come in a
written form so as to be documented.

The Presiding Judge, Nanlong Dashe directed the defence counsel
to make a formal application for bail.

Dashe remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned
hearing in the matter till Dec. 14.

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