A rare and disturbing scene unfolded at the Daloa court of first instance in western Ivory Coast. A 43-year-old man, posing as a lawyer, was unmasked in the middle of a hearing while pleading a client's case , before being immediately arrested by law enforcement.

According to the information gathered, the individual had been illegally practicing law for several months , presenting himself as a legal professional to litigants seeking representation. He attended hearings, prepared case files, and argued cases before the courts, without being registered with the bar association or possessing any legal authorization.

It was during a court hearing that his behavior and certain inconsistencies in his understanding of legal procedures aroused suspicion. Alerted, the judicial authorities contacted the gendarmerie , who intervened to arrest him on the spot.

During the initial investigation, the man confessed to the crimes. He allegedly defrauded several people , extorting money from them in exchange for fictitious legal services, sometimes jeopardizing their legal cases. He admitted to investigators that he had impersonated a lawyer to gain the trust of his victims.

The imposter was taken into custody pending legal proceedings. He could face several charges, including impersonating a public official , illegally practicing law , and fraud .

This case raises the issue of vigilance in the choice of legal representatives , in a context where some litigants, due to lack of information or resources, can fall into the traps of malicious individuals.

The judicial authorities remind everyone of the importance of verifying the registration of lawyers with the competent bodies before any legal proceedings.