Lawyer To Be Arraigned For Diverting Judgement Money Paid Out To Client

The immediate past Vice President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Barrister Blessing Emonena Ukiri, will today, Monday, October 15, 2012, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for allegedly embezzling a total sum of thirty-five million naira paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria to a client.

Following a court order issued by Justice U.N. Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Thursday, October 11, 2012, Ukiri was arrested at his D/Line, Port Harcourt office on Friday, October 12, 2012. Ukiri will be facing a three count charge of stealing, fraud and money laundering, for using judgement money paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria to his client, Samuel Onowighose.

According to statements released by Wilson Uwujaren, the Acting Head, Media & Publicity of the commission, Ukiri had used some of the money to purchase one hundred and fifty units of shares from First Bank of Nigeria.