On Friday, January 23, 2026, the Daloa Court of First Instance was the scene of a crime thriller. A man who had been posing as a lawyer for several months was arrested while carrying out his "duties."

The deception revealed by the Prosecutor

It was during a court hearing that the veneer began to crack for DD Jean Bedel , a 43-year-old Ivorian. While attempting to defend a client, his exchanges with the Public Prosecutor raised suspicions.

The magistrate quickly identified glaring flaws:

1. Major inconsistencies in his legal arguments.
2. Lack of knowledge of basic legal procedures .
3. A suspicious attitude that is hardly compatible with the rigor of the profession.

A spectacular arrest

Faced with these irregularities, the Prosecutor immediately contacted the Gendarmerie's Research Section . Coincidence or fate: the suspect was already under investigation by the gendarmes following several complaints from victims. A discreet operation was immediately set up to arrest him as he left the courthouse.

Confessions and a profile of a manipulator

Once taken to the police station, the man tried to cover his tracks:

1. He initially claimed to be a bailiff's clerk .
2. Pressed by the investigators' questions, his lies crumbled.
3. The verdict of the investigations: DD Jean Bedel has no legal qualifications.

The fake lawyer was just a con artist who sold his services to gullible litigants, thus jeopardizing their legal cases and their savings.

Important note: Impersonation is a serious crime that harms not only the direct victims, but also the credibility of the entire judicial system.

What will happen next for the fake lawyer?

Currently in police custody, the suspect will be brought before the Prosecutor to answer for his actions. Authorities remind the public of the importance of verifying the bar association registration of any legal professional before entrusting them with a case.