The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned Enugu-based lawyer Mike Ikegbunam before the Federal High Court in Enugu over his alleged involvement in a N91 million land fraud. Ikegbunam appeared before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello on Monday on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining money by false pretence.
The defendant had first been arraigned on January 31, 2024, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, who has since been transferred. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court allowed him to continue on the previous bail terms granted on self-recognisance, with an order to deposit his Call to Bar Certificate with the court.
According to the EFCC, Ikegbunam allegedly collected millions of naira from members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions of Nigeria on the pretext of securing plots of land for them in Anambra State. One count alleges he received N25 million on August 16, 2022, while another says he collected N20 million on October 26, 2022, claiming the funds were for land acquisition in Orumba North Local Government Area.
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EFCC counsel Mainforce Adaka Ekwu asked the court to set a trial date to enable the prosecution to prove its case. Defence counsel S. E. Nnonyelu urged the court to retain the earlier bail conditions, a request the judge granted.
Justice Segun-Bello adjourned the case to October 21 and 22, 2026, for commencement of trial. Ikegbunam was arrested on July 12, 2023, following a petition by the association’s branch at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. The group alleged that its members paid him N91 million for 130 plots of land that were never delivered.
EFCC investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly refunded N10 million to the association. Investigators also alleged that about N16.5 million of the funds was diverted to purchase three plots of land in Awka for his personal use.
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