LAGOS – Former Chair of Surulere Lawyers Forum (SLF), Fred Onyeka, has demanded an apology from a colleague, Mrs Chioma Ferguson, who accused him of embezzling the forum’s N100,000.
Ferguson made the allegation in a post on the forum’s WhatsApp platform.
Onyeka, through his counsel, issued her a two-day ultimatum to apologise for the allegation, “failing which we shall petition the police, Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Council (LPDC) and file a writ at Lagos High Court”.
Mrs Ferguson alleged Onyeka withdrew over N100,000 from SLF account and that the “money he is yet to account for till date.” Onyeka said the allegation was defamatory of his reputation.
“I demand the specific time(s) and dates after my tenure that I embezzled money from the SLF account,” the lawyer said.
Onyeka said he was shocked when his attention was drawn to the allegation, which never came up previously at any of the forum’s meetings.
According to him, even when he was invited to render an account after his tenure, no mention was made of any missing N100,000.
“There were no SLF properties in my possession. After Mrs Ferguson took over, she sent a lady who came to my office to collect a few files and photographs I had in my possession.
“There was no mention of N100,000 embezzlement. I report further that at the end of my narration, the House resolved that the matter and all issues involved been resolved
“This attack on my person is provocative and if not refuted is deeply damaging.
“I urge SLF to investigate these allegations.
“I call for a copy of the statement of the account during my tenure and request expenditure details from me with proof of my embezzlement of any N100,000.
“I request open investigation/enquiry without delay.
“I declare my availability at this and at all times to answer for whatever acts I may be accused of,” Onyeka said.
