By Adadareporters
An Anambra State-based lawyer, Mr Mike Ikegbunam, was Wednesday remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre for an alleged land scam totalling N77 million.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, Enugu, gave the order.
The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, SSAUTHRIAI, of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi chapter, had hired the lawyer, Ikegbunam, to help them secure plots of land at Umuagu Ozu, Ndiukwuenu town in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State.
It was alleged that the lawyer converted to personal use about N81 million the union paid to him in about five instalments.
The Economic and Financial and Crimes Commission, EFCC, subsequently arrested and charged Ikegbunam to court on seven counts charge of Advance Fee Fraud, also known as 419 in the Nigerian parlance.
The commission’s investigation revealed that the suspect used proceeds of the money to acquired property for himself.
When the matter came up on Tuesday, the suspect pleaded not guilty but the EFCC prosecuting counsel, A.Y Abdullahi, asked for a date for proper hearing.
Defendant’s counsel, A.J. Anyigor, however, brought up the application for the suspect’s bail despite the counter affidavit against the bail by the EFCC, arguing that the suspect was a respected citizen in the society and would not jump bail.
The EFCC, however, opposed the application saying, “we urge my Lord to dismiss the application for bail.”
Drama ensued when the suspect, who was in the dock, started making defences for himself, 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.”
After arguments on his bail application, Justice Umar ruled that, “Bail is at the discretion of the court and it’s my holding that what is in the application is cogent and could not see enough reasons for counter, but the suspect must deposit his Call to Bar Certificate.”
The judge directed that the suspect be remanded at the Correctional Centre pending when he would meet the bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned to March 21 2014 for hearing on the substantive suit.
