Police on Monday arraigned Tijani Kazeem, 52, before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly parading himself as a lawyer.
The defendant, of no fixed address, was brought in on a one-count charge of impersonation, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Insp. Sikiru Opaleye alleged that on Aug. 19, with intent to defraud members of the public, Tijani falsely presented himself as a lawyer.
Opaleye said the defendant posed as a lawyer at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
He added that following interrogation and verification by other legal practitioners, it was established that the defendant was an impersonator.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Section 484 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
Defence counsel, Mr Ahmed Opasola, applied for the defendant’s bail in liberal terms.
Chief Magistrate Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted bail in the sum of N750,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She ordered that one surety must be a landed property owner within the jurisdiction, while the other must be a blood relation of the defendant.
The case was adjourned until Nov. 10 for hearing.
If found guilty, the defendant faces up to 14 years imprisonment.
(NAN)
