The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo before Justice E. N. Oluedo of the Enugu State High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu, over allegations of fraud.
Okonkwo is facing prosecution on a one-count charge of stealing by conversion, involving the sum of ₦41 million.
The alleged offence contravenes Section 342 of CAP 30, Criminal Code Law of Enugu State, and is punishable under Section 353 (L) of the same law.
According to the charge, Okonkwo, on November 23, 2015, allegedly converted ₦41 million meant for the family of the late Ifemelunma Okoye to his own use.
The sum was reportedly received from Onyishi Maduka Samuel in his capacity as the liquidator of Ifemelunma and Company Enterprises Limited.
During the court proceedings, Okonkwo pleaded “not guilty” to the charge.
Prosecution counsel, Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
However, Okonkwo, who represented himself in court, applied to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted to him by Justice H. O. Eya in the same case.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Oluedo granted Okonkwo’s request and adjourned the trial to May 13, 14, and 15, 2025.
Okonkwo was initially arraigned before Justice Eya on June 23, 2022, where he also pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
