Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court Enugu has remanded in the Correctional Centre, an Anambra State-based lawyer, Mr. Mike Ikegbunam for alleged land scam totaling N77 million.
The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, SSAUTHRIAI, of the 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. But the lawyer allegedly 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 count charge of Advance Fee Fraud, also known as 419 in Nigeria parlance.
The commission’s investigation revealed that the suspect used proceeds of the money to acquired properties 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.”
At that point, 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 in the Correctional Centre pending when he will meet the bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned to March 21 2014 for hearing on the substantive suit.
