The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a lawyer, Mike Ikegbunam, before the Federal High Court in Enugu over an alleged N91 million land fraud.
Ikegbunam was arraigned before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining by false pretence. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly induced members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions of Nigeria (SSAUTHRIAI) to part with funds under the pretext of securing land for them in Anambra State.
The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed in 2022, involving multiple transactions amounting to N91 million.
The defendant had earlier been arraigned in January 2024 before another judge who has since been transferred. He was granted bail on self-recognizance, with a condition to deposit his Call to Bar certificate with the court.
During the latest proceedings, prosecution counsel sought a trial date, while the defence requested that the existing bail conditions be maintained. The court upheld the earlier bail and adjourned the case to October 21 and 22, 2026, for trial.
The EFCC said investigations revealed that part of the funds was allegedly used by the defendant to acquire personal property, while he has so far refunded N10 million to the association.
