The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned legal practitioner Mike Ikegbunam before the Federal High Court in Enugu over an alleged N91 million land fraud. The case, which centers on charges of money laundering and obtaining money by false pretence, was brought before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello on a fresh arraignment following earlier proceedings. Ikegbunam, who was first arraigned on January 31, 2024, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar—now transferred—had pleaded not guilty to all seven counts. He had previously been granted bail on self-recognisance, with the condition that he deposit his Call to Bar Certificate with the court.
According to the prosecution, Ikegbunam allegedly collected funds from members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions of Nigeria (SSAUNTH) under the false promise of securing land plots for them in Anambra State. The charges detail specific transactions, including N25 million received on August 16, 2022, and N20 million on October 26, 2022, both claimed to be for land acquisition in Orumba North Local Government Area. The total amount allegedly collected stands at N91 million, purportedly for the purchase of 130 plots of land.
The EFCC’s counsel, Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, urged the court to set a trial date to allow the prosecution to present its evidence. In response, defence counsel S. E. Nnonyelu requested that Ikegbunam be allowed to remain on the same bail conditions previously granted. The court granted this request, allowing the defendant to continue under the existing bail terms. Justice Segun-Bello then adjourned the matter to October 21 and 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Ikegbunam was arrested on July 12, 2023, following a petition filed by the SSAUNTH branch at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi. The petition alleged that association members had paid him the N91 million for land acquisition. Investigations revealed that Ikegbunam refunded N10 million to the association, while approximately N16.5 million was reportedly used to acquire three plots of land in Awka for personal use. These findings form part of the evidence presented by the EFCC to support the charges against him.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat financial crimes, particularly those involving professionals who exploit their positions of trust. As the trial date approaches, stakeholders in the legal and academic communities are watching closely. The outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases involving fraud and misappropriation of funds are handled in Nigeria.
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