Court Orders Forfeiture Of N725m Property Linked To Ex-NIMASA DG

Justice Tijjani Ringim of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the temporary forfeiture of N725,345,897.77 and Plot J 37A 218 Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, allegedly diverted from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA).

Justice Ringim gave the order after entertaining a motion ex parte filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Bilkisu Buhari.

Buhari had informed the judge that the sum allegedly recovered by the EFCC was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, while the property was reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity.

The commission linked the money and property to a former NIMASA director-general, Dr Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Buhari also prayed for an order directing the EFCC to publish the interim order in a national newspaper, “For anyone interested in the properties sought to be forfeited to appear before this honourable court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture of the said properties should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

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

“I find merit in this statutory application and same is granted as prayed.”