The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a legal practitioner, Barrister Mike Ikegbunam, over an alleged N91 million land fraud before the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu.
Ikegbunam was docked before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining by false pretence, marking a fresh phase in the high-profile case following the transfer of the initial trial judge.
The defendant had earlier been arraigned on January 31, 2024 before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the same court. At the resumed proceedings, Ikegbunam again pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors allege that the lawyer defrauded members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions of Nigeria (SSAUTHRIAI), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi branch, under the guise of securing parcels of land in Anambra State.
According to the charge sheet, Ikegbunam allegedly obtained N25 million on August 16, 2022, and another N20 million on October 26, 2022, by falsely claiming he could acquire plots of land for the association’s members in Orumba North Local Government Area.
The EFCC further told the court that the total sum involved in the alleged scam stands at N91 million, part of which—about N16.5 million—was reportedly diverted to purchase three plots of land for personal use at a private estate in Awka.
Investigations also revealed that the defendant has refunded N10 million to the association, a development prosecutors say does not absolve him of criminal liability.
Following his plea, EFCC counsel, Assistant Commander Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, urged the court to fix a date for trial to enable the prosecution to present its case.
However, defence counsel, S. E. Nnonyelu, appealed for the continuation of the bail earlier granted to his client. The court upheld the request, allowing Ikegbunam to remain on bail on self-recognizance, with the condition that his Call to Bar certificate remains in custody of the court.
Justice Segun-Bello subsequently adjourned the matter to October 21 and 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Ikegbunam was initially arrested on July 12, 2023, following petitions by SSAUTHRIAI members who alleged they paid for 130 plots of land that were never delivered.
The case continues to draw attention as the anti-graft agency intensifies efforts to clamp down on property-related fraud across the country.
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