Fake Lawyer Sentenced To Three Years Imprisonment In Osun

The magistrate said the sentence would run concurrently, and directed that the sum of N150,000, being the proceed of the crime, should be transferred from the convict’s account to the victim’s account.

A 25-year-old man, AbdulGafar Ayanrinde, posing as a lawyer to defraud unsuspecting victims has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osun State.

Ayanrinde, who specialises in fraud, impersonation and stealing, was arrested by NSCDC operatives on May 24, 2023.

A statement by the spokesperson of Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kehinde, Adeleke on Wednesday, July 12, said Ayanrinde committed the offences between 18th and 22nd May 2023.

Adeleke further disclosed that Ayanrinde, having presented himself as a barrister at law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, duped five unsuspecting members of the public, and also stole an iPhone worth ₦450,000,00.

During the trial, the NSCDC spokesperson said Ayanrinde pleaded guilty to the two counts bordering on impersonation of a legal practitioner contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 34 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, and obtaining money under false pretenses contrary to Section 419 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 34 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria.

After admitting to committing the crime, the defendant was pronounced guilty by Magistrate M.A. Olatunji, who sentenced him to three years imprisonment for each of the counts.

The magistrate said the sentence would run concurrently, and directed that the sum of N150,000, being the proceed of the crime, should be transferred from the convict’s account to the victim’s account.

“The Nigeria Correctional Service shall provide facility and enabling environment for the academic advancement of the convict while in custody,” the spokesperson added.