HURMA CONDEMNS IMPERSONATION OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, CALLS FOR STRONGER SAFEGUARDS IN LAGOS COURTS – Right Monitors

The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda – HURMA has expressed deep concern over the recent incident at the Lagos State High Court on Thursday, 4th September 2026, where a suspected fake lawyer was ordered arrested by a presiding judge for attempting to represent a client in court.

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In a viral video, the judge was heard directing: “Remove that wig. I’m ordering his arrest right away. Police, arrest him!” after discovering the individual was not a qualified legal practitioner.

HURMA in a press statement signed by the Executive Director. Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak and Lawyer Lekan Alabi, head of legal team and board chairman strongly condemns this act of impersonation and all forms of fraudulent representation in our justice system.

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We state as follows:

1. Danger to Justice and Human Rights: Fake lawyers endanger the right to fair hearing and access to justice. Unsuspecting citizens who hire impostors risk losing their cases, their property, and even their liberty due to incompetent or malicious representation.
2. Erosion of Public Trust: This trend erodes public confidence in the judiciary and the legal profession. It brings the noble profession of law into disrepute.
3. Call for Proactive Measures: HURMA urges the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA and the Lagos State Judiciary to intensify verification of lawyers appearing in court, enforce stricter penalties, and embark on public sensitization so citizens can verify their lawyers on the NBA portal.
4. Support for the Judiciary: We commend the judge for acting decisively and for upholding the integrity of the court. This sends a strong signal that impunity will not be tolerated.

HURMA will continue to monitor this case and similar incidents nationwide. We call on security agencies to prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law to serve as deterrence.

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