Court orders forfeiture of N725 million in property linked to ex-NIMASA DG

An order of interim forfeiture of the amount of N725,345,897.77 and Plot J 37A 218 Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, which was allegedly diverted from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency was granted on Monday by Justice Tijjani Ringim of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Following a motion ex parte filed and argued by Bilkisu Buhari, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the judge granted the order.

Buhari told the court that there was a reasonable suspicion that the money was the proceeds of illegal activity and that the property had also been bought with proceeds from illegal activity.

Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former NIMASA Director-General, was connected to the funds and assets by the EFCC.
In addition, Buhari requested that the interim forfeiture order be published by the EFCC in a national newspaper so that “anyone interested in the properties sought to be forfeited may appear before the court to show cause why the final forfeiture of the said properties should not be made in favor of the Federal Government of Nigeria within 14 days.”

“I have listened to the submission of counsel and perused the affidavit in support of the application together with exhibits,” Justice Ringim said in granting the application.

I believe this statutory application has merit, and I grant it as requested.