A man identified as Mr Daniel Anichukwu, who allegedly posed as a legal practitioner and appeared in both criminal and civil proceedings, has been arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Pankshin Division, Plateau State, and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Pankshin on allegations bordering on cheating and impersonation.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by Mrs Beritmwa Kassam on the 22nd June 2026. According to the complainant, the suspect visited her business centre on the 12th June 2026 and allegedly deceived her by making a fake bank transfer of ₦50,000, thereby obtaining goods and services through fraudulent means.
Police investigations subsequently led to the arrest of the suspect. During the investigation, Mr Anichukwu reportedly claimed to be a lawyer. A search conducted by the Investigating Police Officer at D-Garde Guest Inn, Pankshin, Plateau State, allegedly led to the recovery of a lawyer’s wig and bib. Investigators also recovered an identity card bearing the suspect’s photograph dressed in a legal wig, gown and bib, with the suspect allegedly claiming to belong to the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Investigators further alleged that the suspect had been appearing before courts in both criminal and civil matters while presenting himself as a legal practitioner.
Following the conclusion of investigations, the suspect was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court presided over by Hon. Yebo S. Dabup on a two-count charge of cheating and impersonation, contrary to Sections 307 and 141 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State.
Although the court admitted the defendant to bail, he remains at the Pankshin Correctional Centre, having reportedly been convicted in separate matters prior to his present arraignment.
When the matter came up for hearing on the 22nd July 2026, the proceedings attracted serious attention with the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Pankshin Branch, Barr. D. S. Zingman, announcing his appearance in court as a watching brief.
In a major development during the proceedings, Barr. Zingman informed the court that the NBA Pankshin Branch had applied for a fiat to prosecute the impersonation charge against the defendant. Following this development, the Police Prosecutor promptly applied to amend the First Information Report, paving the way for the court to commence hearing on the cheating count while the NBA prepares to pursue the impersonation allegation under the authority of the fiat.
Meanwhile, the NBA Pankshin Branch is expected to continue following up on all processes connected with the fiat before the appropriate authorities. The Chief Magistrate, Hon. Yebo S. Dabup, urged the Branch to pursue the matter diligently to prevent unnecessary delays, noting that the case is a criminal proceeding requiring expeditious handling.
The case has been adjourned for the continuation of hearing
