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Torn Between Two Worlds


By
Nwokocha, Chidinma Grace
Lagos, Nigeria
Email: chidinmag.nwokocha@yahoo.com



Mr. Chukwudi Ikpeama esq. is a legal practitioner with Chukwudi Ikpeama & Associates. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2000 and has since practiced as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Nnewi, his hometown where he specializes in Property transactions as well as litigations arising from them. Aside being an accomplished property practitioner, he is also the President of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), Nnewi Chapter and has served for two consecutive terms.
Mr. Chukwudi esq. remembers with fondness some of the briefs that gave him the needed push when he commenced his professional career. In particular, he remembers Chief Emeka Ezego, the Oshimili Atata 1 of Nnewi who retained his services immediately after his call. Chief Ezego who at the time was the wealthiest man in Nnewi had retained his services to deal with all his (Chief Ezego’s) properties situate within and outside Nnewi. Since the year 2000 when he was first engaged, he has been Chief’s Solicitor and legal adviser till date. Chief Ezego also owns vast hectares of land in Nnewi alone and several other real estate investments scattered all over Nigeria and beyond. In fact, Chief not only has landed properties but he leads a very fulfilled and luxurious life.
Recently, Chief Ezego’s only surviving son and heir, Dr. Ebuka, returned to Nigeria to establish his practice as a Medical Doctor in Nnewi, having spent most of his life in the United States of America studying. On arrival, Dr. Ebuka also retained the services of Mr. Chukwudi Ikpeama, the family lawyer to negotiate the purchase of some properties in Onitsha axis which he intends to use to kick start his medical practice in Nigeria.
Chief Ezego is old now and stricken in age and has recently been in and out of the Hospital. His son, Ebuka and his Lawyer, Chukwudi have persistently talked him into making a Will in the event of death but to no avail. One Monday evening, Chief Ezego informed his Lawyer of his intention to sell all his properties before his death and donate the proceeds to a Charity organization in Nnewi. His reason was that he wanted his son Ebuka to work hard for his own money and not depend on his estate for survival when he was no longer alive. Unknown to Chief and his lawyer, Ebuka overheard the whole conversation.
Ebuka has now procured a poisonous substance which he intends to put in his father’s food so as to kill him in order to inherit his father’s estate before he sells off the properties. He has confided in Mr. Ikpeama his intentions and has engaged the services of Mr. Ikpeama to help him obtain the Letters of Administration from the Probate Registry after the death of his father. In return, he promises to pay Mr. Ikpeama 30% of the proceeds of the entire estate as professional fees in addition to marrying his (Mr. Ikpeama’s) beautiful younger sister. The custom of Nnewi however abhors domestic killing by whatever means.
Mr. Ikpeama has now consulted you, a fellow lawyer whom he respects so much saying that in the scenario he has just painted to you there are more 15 legal issues and wants you to identify them. Drop two in the comment box and let the fun begin.

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