Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of N1 Billion Allegedly Diverted by Ebonyi SSG and Aide

The Federal High Court in Uyo has ordered the interim forfeiture of over ?1 billion allegedly misappropriated by the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Grace Umezurike, and her aide, Ngene Nwanna Onyeabor.

Justice Maureen Onyetenu issued the forfeiture order on 8 July, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to documents obtained by Just Liberation News.

The EFCC alleged that the SSG and her aide diverted the funds from the Ebonyi State Government’s treasury into six accounts held at the United Bank for Africa (UBA). Of the six accounts, four were reportedly owned by the SSG, while one belonged to her aide and received ?1.014 billion. The sixth account, according to the EFCC, was registered under the name “Affordable Multi Services Nigeria Limited.”

The commission stated that the funds in question had been designated for the purchase of rice for Ebonyi residents as part of the 2024 Christmas welfare program.

In its application, the EFCC requested a 60-day interim forfeiture of the funds to allow for further investigation. It also asked the court to compel the respondents—and any other parties with an interest in the accounts—to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

Justice Onyetenu granted all the reliefs sought by the EFCC, including an order for the publication of notices to inform interested parties.

Governor Nwifuru Responds

Reacting to the development, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru urged restraint, emphasizing the need for due process. Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, the governor stated:

“I received the news of the publication already before the Federal High Court, Uyo. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise. I am a lawyer, and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment to avoid setting wrong precedents.”

Hints of Cabinet Reshuffle

Governor Nwifuru also hinted at a potential cabinet shake-up, expressing dissatisfaction with the current performance of some officials.

“Our vision, as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs, has not been satisfactorily realised,” he said. “That accounted for the minor reshuffle we did recently. We’re still assessing them, and we shall do the needful if the need arises.”