Anambra Lawyer Remanded In Custody Over Alleged N77 Million Land Scam

Anambra Lawyer Remanded In Custody Over Alleged N77 Million Land Scam

An Anambra-based lawyer, Mike Ikegbunam, has been remanded in the Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court in Enugu, following allegations of a N77 million land scam…..CONTINUE READING

Ikegbunam was engaged by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi chapter to assist in acquiring plots of land at Umuagu Ozu, Ndiukwuenu town in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State.

However, he is accused of misappropriating approximately N81 million, funds disbursed to him by the union in five installments for personal use.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested and charged Ikegbunam with a seven-count charge of Advance Fee Fraud, commonly known as 419 in Nigeria parlance. The investigation revealed that the suspect utilized the embezzled funds to acquire personal properties.

During the court proceedings, the suspect pleaded not guilty, but the EFCC prosecuting counsel, A.Y Abdullahi, requested a date for a proper hearing.

The defendant’s counsel, A.J. Anyigor, sought bail for the suspect, arguing that he was a respected citizen who wouldn’t evade justice. Despite opposition from the EFCC, the judge, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, ruled that the suspect could be granted bail, provided he deposited his Call to Bar Certificate.

The case has been adjourned to March 21, 2024, for the hearing on the substantive suit.