By Innocent Anaba
LAGOS— A United States-based Nigerian lawyer, Mr Ephraim Ugwuonye, was, Tuesday, arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting in Lagos, by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly stealing $94,948 belonging to his client, Sola Adeyo.

The accused, according to the charge sheet, sometimes in 2007 within the Lagos jurisdictional district, allegedly received $94,948 from Adeyo, while acting as his private attorney but refused to give the money back to him.

The accused person was also alleged to have converted the said money to his personal use, contrary to Section 383 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Trial judge, Justice Christopher Balogun, refused attempt by the defence counsel, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, to move his bail application, saying there were many contending suits before the court.

Defence counsel told the court that Ugwuonye had been in EFCC’s custody since October 24, 2011.  EFCC counsel urged the court to adjourn the matter for trial, as the Commission had already filed an objection to the bail application.

The court adjourned hearing on the bail application till tomorrow.

Ugwuonye is also facing a similar charge before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of $1.55 million. The crime was committed in the United States.