By Milcah Tanimu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against lawyer Mike Ikegbunam over an alleged N91 million land fraud in Enugu. One of the counts accuses him of inducing the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions of Nigeria to part with N25 million under the false pretense of acquiring land. Ikegbunam pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

During the court proceedings, Counsel to the EFCC, Nuradeen Shehu Ingawa, requested a trial date and the defendant’s remand at the Correctional Centre. In response, the defense counsel, A. G. Anyigo, sought bail for Ikegbunam, emphasizing his client’s responsible standing in society. Despite opposition from Ingawa, the judge, Justice Umar, granted bail on self-recognizance, with conditions including the deposit of Ikegbunam’s Call to Bar Certificate and the provision of a cousin as a surety.

The defendant will remain in EFCC custody until the bail conditions are met. The trial is scheduled for March 21, 2024. Ikegbunam was arrested on July 12, 2023, following claims by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions, alleging that he received N91 million for the purchase of 130 plots of land. Investigations revealed that Ikegbunam refunded N10 million to the association and used N16.5 million to acquire three plots of land for himself at Dubai Estate, Phase 2 in Awka, Anambra State.