The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a legal practitioner, Mike Ikegbunam, before the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu over an alleged N91 million land fraud.
Ikegbunam was arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining by false pretence before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The defendant had earlier been arraigned on January 31, 2024, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the same court, who has since been transferred. At the time, he was granted bail on self-recognition, with a condition that he deposit his Call to Bar certificate with the court.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly defrauded members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions of Nigeria (SSAUTHRIAI) of N91 million under the pretext of acquiring plots of land for them in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
One of the charges stated that Ikegbunam, on August 16, 2022, allegedly obtained N25 million from the association by falsely claiming he could secure land for its members. Another count alleged that he received an additional N20 million on October 26, 2022 under similar pretences.
Prosecuting counsel, Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, urged the court to fix a date for trial to enable the EFCC prove its case.
However, defence counsel, S. E. Nnonyelu, prayed the court to allow the defendant to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted by the previous judge.
Justice Segun-Bello granted the request and adjourned the matter to October 21 and 22, 2026 for commencement of trial.
Ikegbunam was arrested on July 12, 2023, following a petition by SSAUTHRIAI, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi branch, alleging that its members paid him N91 million for the purchase of 130 plots of land in Anambra State.
Investigations further revealed that the defendant had refunded N10 million to the association. He was also alleged to have used N16.5 million, believed to be part of the funds, to acquire three plots of land for personal use at a private estate in Awka.
The case is expected to proceed to trial later this year.