Anambra Lawyer Remanded in Correctional Centre Over Alleged N77m Land Scam

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court Enugu has remanded Anambra-based lawyer, Mr. Mike Ikegbunam, in the Correctional Centre. The remand is connected to an alleged land scam amounting to N77 million.

Ikegbunam, hired by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi chapter, is accused of converting approximately N81 million, paid by the union in five installments, for personal use. The funds were intended for securing plots of land at Umuagu Ozu, Ndiukwuenu town in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested and charged Ikegbunam on seven counts of Advance Fee Fraud, commonly known as 419 in Nigeria. The EFCC’s investigation uncovered that the lawyer used the embezzled money to acquire properties for himself.

During the court proceedings on Tuesday, the defendant pleaded not guilty, and the EFCC prosecuting counsel, A.Y Abdullahi, requested a date for a proper hearing. The defendant’s counsel, A.J. Anyigor, applied for bail, emphasizing the suspect’s standing as a respected member of society. Despite this, the EFCC opposed the bail application.

In the courtroom, Ikegbunam defended himself, stating, “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.”

After arguments, Justice Umar ruled that bail is at the discretion of the court and granted it, with the condition that the suspect must deposit his Call to Bar Certificate. The judge directed the remand of the suspect in the Correctional Centre until he meets the bail conditions. The substantive suit is scheduled for hearing on March 21, 2014.