In a significant move to combat fraud and criminal activities in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo before Justice E.N. Oluedo of the Enugu State High Court, following allegations of a fraudulent N41 million conversion.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Okonkwo is facing a single charge of stealing by conversion, under Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State.
The charge accuses Okonkwo of unlawfully converting N41 million, which he had received from Onyishi Maduka Samuel on behalf of the family of the late Ifemelunma Okoye, while serving as the liquidator for Ifemelunma and Company Enterprises Limited. This incident is said to have occurred on November 23, 2015.
Okonkwo pleaded not guilty to the charge during his arraignment. EFCC prosecution counsel, Ajobiewe Enitan, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
Representing himself in court, Okonkwo applied to continue his bail, which had been granted earlier by Justice H.O. Eya during a previous arraignment in June 2022.
Justice Oluedo granted his request, setting the trial date for May 13, 14, and 15, 2025, while allowing Okonkwo to remain on bail in the meantime.
