Abuja lawyer Everestus Ugwuowo arraigned on N29m fraud charges

Everestus Chinedu Ugwuowo, a prominent Abuja-based lawyer, is currently facing charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over an alleged fraud involving N29 million. Ugwuowo and three co-defendants are accused of fabricating documents to fraudulently sell a residential property in Abuja, deceiving a buyer into paying the substantial amount.

The case was brought before the court on October 28, 2024, under an 11-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/121/2018) filed by ACP Simon Lough, SAN, and presided over by Honorable Justice Obiora Egwuatu. Alongside Ugwuowo, the defendants include Umar Sanda Adamu, Usman Audu, and Adole Christopher Oche, a Bureau of Public Procurement employee. Prosecutors allege the group’s involvement in forging property documents to orchestrate the fraudulent sale.

A document seen in Abuja further reveals that Ugwuowo is also facing disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee under Petition Number BB/LPDC/520/2021.

During the recent hearing, both the prosecution and defense agreed to adjourn the case, with the trial scheduled to resume on January 14, 2025.

Separately, on October 21, 2024, Ugwuowo, who serves as the Capon of the Sahara Deck (Abuja Municipal) of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), issued a statement marking World Mental Health Day. In his statement, he emphasized the Pyrates Confraternity’s dedication to social justice and mental health advocacy.