EFCC Alleges Enugu Lawyer Stole N41m from Client

• EFCC alleges Enugu barrister Okonkwo stole N41m from his client.
• The funds, intended for the family of the late Ifemelunma Okoye, were reportedly converted during his role as liquidator.
• Okonkwo pleaded “not guilty” with trial set for May 2025.

Enugu-based lawyer Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo has been charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly embezzling N41 million from his client.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that he appeared before Justice E. N. Oluedo of the Enugu State High Court on a single count of stealing by conversion, an offence under Section 342 of CAP 30 of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State and punishable under Section 353(L).

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According to the charge, on or about November 23, 2015, in Enugu, Okonkwo is accused of fraudulently converting N41 million—money received from Onyishi Maduka Samuel on behalf of the family of the late Ifemelunma Okoye—into his own use while acting as the liquidator of Ifemelunma and Company Enterprises Limited.

When the charge was read, Okonkwo pleaded “not guilty.” Prosecution counsel Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan requested that the court set a trial date and remand the defendant in custody. However, Okonkwo, who represented himself, asked to continue on bail granted earlier by Justice H. O. Eya.

After considering both submissions, Justice Oluedo granted his application and scheduled the trial for May 13, 14, and 15, 2025.

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It is noteworthy that Okonkwo was first arraigned on June 23, 2022, before Justice Eya, where he also pleaded “not guilty” and was granted bail.

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