Court Orders Permanent Forfeiture of Ex-Minister’s Luxury Apartment, Seizes Four More Properties

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of a luxury apartment belonging to a former Minister of Power, while placing four additional properties under interim forfeiture as part of efforts to recover assets linked to alleged corruption.

Justice James Omotosho granted the orders in favour of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that Walijam Apartments, located on Lobito Crescent in Wuse 2, Abuja, was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities uncovered during the former minister's criminal trial.

The court also approved interim forfeiture of four other properties, including Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State, two mansions on Misratah Street in Wuse 2, Abuja, and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Justice Omotosho held that although the EFCC had not yet conclusively established ownership or beneficial interest in the four properties, the commission had presented sufficient evidence to justify their interim forfeiture. He directed the anti-graft agency to publish the court order in a national newspaper within seven days, giving any interested party the opportunity to challenge the forfeiture before it becomes final.

The judge also dismissed the former minister's argument that the court lacked jurisdiction after delivering judgment in the criminal case. He ruled that Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act empowers the court to issue restitution and forfeiture orders even after a conviction has been secured.

According to the EFCC, the former minister diverted about ?22 billion from the ?33.8 billion involved in the case, with less than ?2 billion recovered despite previous forfeiture orders. The commission argued that the additional assets were needed to recover part of the outstanding proceeds of the alleged crime.

The latest ruling follows the court's judgment of May 7, which convicted the former minister on 12 counts of money laundering involving funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects.

Justice Omotosho sentenced the former minister to a cumulative 75 years in prison after finding that he diverted at least ?22 billion through proxy companies and associates. The court further ordered him to refund the outstanding balance of the stolen funds after deducting recovered assets and directed security agencies, including INTERPOL, to arrest him wherever he is found.

Describing the diversion of funds meant for critical power projects as a serious betrayal of public trust, the judge said the former minister enriched himself while millions of Nigerians continued to endure inadequate electricity supply.

Following weeks of surveillance, the EFCC arrested the former minister after his conviction and transferred him to a correctional facility to begin serving his sentence. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission's commitment to ensuring the convict serves his prison term, noting that he is also facing a separate criminal trial over an alleged ?31 billion fraud.