Reporters’ investigation reveals how Barrister Tony Igwe, an Enugu-based lawyer, allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to defraud Gift Ezenwa, widow of Collins Ezenwa, a former police officer extrajudicially killed by the now-defunct SARS in 2018.

Background

• Collins Ezenwa and three associates were arrested at a checkpoint and executed while in SARS custody, contrary to initial police claims of a shootout.
• Gift Ezenwa, then four months pregnant, lost her husband’s properties and cash due to police seizures and freezes.

How Igwe Allegedly Took Control

• Igwe was introduced to Mrs. Ezenwa as a “helpful” legal contact but was not yet a lawyer due to a prior Law School examination malpractice scandal.
• He reportedly isolated her from family support, gained access to her finances, and convinced her to purchase a six-flat building in Enugu for ₦85 million.
• He allegedly exploited her postpartum vulnerability, arranging hospitalization where she was sedated, leaving her incapacitated for weeks.

Financial Exploitation

• Bank records suggest Igwe took control of large sums, including:
  • ₦100 million from FCMB Bank
  • ₦85 million from Zenith Bank
• He reportedly liquidated properties and businesses, controlled rental income, and monitored all her communications, giving her only limited access to funds.
• Igwe allegedly orchestrated the widow’s UK relocation under the pretext of safety, while securing unrestricted control over her assets and finances.

Manipulating Legal Network

• Igwe allegedly compartmentalized multiple senior lawyers to handle different parts of Mrs. Ezenwa’s estate without them knowing about each other’s involvement.
• He purportedly isolated Mrs. Ezenwa from contacting lawyers directly, controlling her access to information and resources.

Legal Escalation

• Igwe and associates allegedly filed lawsuits against Mrs. Ezenwa claiming unpaid fees and damages, with Igwe acting as a coordinating counsel while maintaining control over communications and court processes.
• Human rights lawyer Justus Ijeoma intervened to challenge these actions and protect Mrs. Ezenwa’s rights, exposing Igwe’s alleged manipulation.

Background on Igwe

• Igwe was implicated in 2007 Law School exam malpractice, eventually graduating in 2019.
• Allegedly used connections and deceit to consolidate control over multiple legal and financial aspects of Mrs. Ezenwa’s estate.

Current Status

• SaharaReporters reached out to Igwe for comment, but he declined to respond and reportedly threatened the reporter.

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This case highlights a complex web of legal manipulation, financial exploitation, and psychological abuse, exploiting a vulnerable widow seeking justice after the extrajudicial killing of her husband.