By Francis Wilfred
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a lawyer, Barrister Mike Ikegbunam, before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu, on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N91 million.
Ikegbunam was arrested on July 12, 2023, following a petition by the Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions of Nigeria (SSAUTHRIAI), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi branch. The association alleged that its members paid N91 million to him for the purchase of 130 plots of land at Umuagu, Ozu Ndiukwuanu town, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He was previously arraigned on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on self-recognition, with a condition to deposit his Call to Bar certificate with the court.
According to a release signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the defendant again pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Following his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II), Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, prayed the court to fix a trial date to enable the prosecution to prove its case.
Investigations showed that the defendant, who has refunded N10 million to the association, allegedly used N16.5 million, suspected to be part of the funds, to acquire three plots of land for himself at Dubai Estate, Phase 2, in Awka, Anambra State.
