From Magnus Eze, Enugu
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has remanded an Anambra State-based legal practitioner, Mike Ikegbunam in the Correctional Centre, for alleged land scam of N77 million.
The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi chapter, engaged Ikegbunam to assist them secure plots of land at Umuagu Ozu, Ndiukwuenu town in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. But the legal practitioner allegedly converted about N81 million belonging to the association which was paid to him for personal use.
Consequently, the Economic and Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested and charged Ikegbunam to court on a seven-count charge of Advance Fee Fraud.
The anti-graft agency’s investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly used proceeds of the money to acquire properties for himself.
At the court, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the charge but the EFCC prosecuting counsel, A.Y. Abdullahi asked for a date for proper hearing.
A. J. Anyigor, counsel to the defendant, however, brought up the application for his client’s bail despite the counter affidavit by the EFCC arguing that the defendant was a respected citizen in the society and would not jump bail.
As argument ensued, the defendant started making defences for himself from the dock, saying: “I’m a lawyer of roughly 20 years standing, blessed by God and I’m doing well, a member of the Igwe cabinet and a knight of high repute.”
In his rulingJustice Mohammed Umar said the reasons adduced by counsel to the defendant in the bail application were cogent, hence he granted the bail on the condition the defendant must deposit his Call to Bar Certificate.”
Justice Umar directed that the suspect be remanded in the Correctional Centre until he met the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned to March 21, 2024 or hearing on the substantive suit.