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Tag: Diezani:

  • Appeal Court orders relocation of Ebonyi Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja

    Appeal Court orders relocation of Ebonyi Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja

    The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has directed that the Ebonyi Election Petitions Tribunal be relocated to Abuja immediately.

    The Secretary of the tribunal, Nyior Sekulla announced this in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

    He said the tribunal office at the Ebonyi Judiciary Headquarters in Abakaliki has been shut down,  following the directive.

    According to him, all processes relating to matters before the tribunal would continue at Abuja.

    “In compliance with the HPCA directives, the petitioners, counsel to parties and general public is hereby informed via this medium that, the EPT sitting here in Abakaliki thereby cease to operate in Abakalik

    “Therefore, in compliance with the HPCA directives, the petitioners, Counsel to parties and general public is hereby informed via this medium that, the EPT sitting in Abakaliki thereby cease operate in Ebonyi at April 26.

    “Fillings of processes taking of proceedings among other, shall henceforth continue at Abuja. Our contact remains same for further enquiries please,” the statement read. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Bank’s videos didn’t show I collected election funds: Belgore

    Hearing continued on Tuesday in the N450m money laundering case against Muhammad Dele Belgore (SAN), with at least two videos of the transactions of March 26 and 27, 2015 at a Bank shown in the open court.

    The videos were shown at the instance of Belgore to support his defense that he only signed for the money as coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign in Kwara while the withdrawal of the funds were made by PDP stakeholders assigned to use the money for various campaign logistics.

    An official of the bank and witness to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had said in his testimony last year that Belgore collected the money and that CCTV footages of the day’s transactions would show how the senior lawyer had collected the money.

    But testifying in the court after the videos were played, Belgore said the footages neither showed him nor anyone known to him.

    Asked to describe what he saw in the footages, the lawyer said: “I noticed on the top left of the video of what looked like a date which read 08/02/17. I also noted another date on the bottom of the same video which read 26/03.15. I also noticed there was a time that was ticking and that that time began at 9am.

    “In regards to the second video, I also noticed at the top left corner there was a date that read 08/02/17. I also noticed a time that began at about 3pm. At the bottom there was another date 27/3/15. I know that as to regards to the first date 08/02/17, this case had already started. Charges had already been filed.

    “I also noticed that there were various screenshots of the different places the camera were located in the bank, both outside and inside. However, I did not see myself in either of the videos. I also couldn’t make out anybody I knew.”

    Belgore also denied claims that he had knowledge that the money had been sent by some oil marketers or the bank had been instructed by the former petroleum former minister, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke to pay him the money.

    “Prosecurion Witness (PW1) and PW2 (EFCC investigators) said the money was paid out on Diezani’s instructions. I have no information about that. I never met her,” Belgore said.

    “I have never spoken with her. I never dealt with or spoken with anybody claiming to be acting on her behalf.”

    He said he had only received a call from the PDP headquarters that N450m was being sent to Kwara as campaign funds — following a request by the state chapter of the party for some money for campaign logistics and payment for agents.

    Belgore said he believed the money had been raised from the PDP fundraising for the 2015 presidential election, insisting he had no knowledge that the funds had come from elsewhere. The first video clip lasted for about 55 minutes, while the second one lasted for one and a half hours.

    Just before the close of proceedings, Mr Ebun Sofunde SAN, counsel to Belgore, told the court that he had applied for another subpoena for the bank to produce another video clip of the period in which Belgore was in the bank.

    Justice Aikawa replied that he had signed the application for the subpoena.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until March 27 and April 10 for continuation of trial.

     

     

  • I had no dealings with Diezani, says Belgore

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dele Belgore on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he never met or dealt with former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    He said he was not aware that the N450 million he signed for in 2015 came from her.

    Belgore, who was the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation coordinator in Kwara State during the 2015 general elections, was testifying in his trial before Justice Rilwan Aikawa.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged him, former National Planning Minister Prof Abubakar Suleiman and Mrs. Madueke (said to be at large) with money laundering.

    In the nine-count charge, EFCC accused them of making cash payment of N10million to Kwara State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo.

    The commission said they also paid N10million to a Commissioner of Police Garba Saliu on March 27, 2015 without going through a financial institution.

    The sums, the commission said, exceeded the amount authorised by law and violated Sections 1(a) and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 16 (2) (b).

    EFCC said they “directly took possession of the sum N450million,” which they allegedly indirectly spent, adding that they “reasonably ought to have known [that the money] forms part of the proceeds of unlawful act.”

    Belgore and Suleiman pleaded not guilty.

    Read Also: Belgore: How N450m was shared in Kwara

    Two prosecution witnesses had testified that Mrs. Madueke collected N23billion from three oil marketers – Northern Belt Ltd, Actus Integrated Ltd, Midwestern Company and one Mr Leno Laitan, ahead of the 2015 general elections, and that it was part of the money that Belgore signed for.

    But, Belgore, who said he did not know the companies, explained how he came about the N450million.

    “I don’t know any of the said marketers that PW1 claimed provided the money. I never met or dealt with them.

    “PW1 and PW2 (EFCC investigators) said the money was paid out on Diezani’s instructions. I have no information about that. I never met her.

    “I have never spoken with her. I never dealt with or spoken with anybody claiming to be acting on her behalf,” he stressed.

    Belgore said he was made to believe that the money was from the Campaign Organisation and not from another source.

    “On the contrary, we asked the Presidential Campaign headquarters for funds for the election because there were agitations from candidates and stakeholders for funds. We were told there were no funds available, but that a series of fund raising activities had been lined up.

    “I know that funds were indeed raised. I also know that within a very short time, the headquarters called me and said the funds were available.

    “On March 26, 2015, I received a call from the Financial Director of the Campaign Organisation Mrs. Nenadi Usman that the money had been sent.

    “There was no basis, evidence or indication that the money came from any other place other than the Presidential Campaign Headquarters.

    “As a matter of fact, it was during my interrogation in November 2016 that I first heard from PW2 that said funds did not come from the Presidential Campaign Headquarters as I was made to believe.

    “Up until then, no one other than PW1 and PW2 had told me that the N450million did not come from the fundraising activities conducted by the Presidential Campaign Organisation,” Belgore said.

    Two separate video clips from bank CCTV cameras recordings were shown in court.

    They were tendered by Belgore to prove that he did not leave the bank with the money even though he signed for it.

    “I did not see myself in the first and second videos. I could not make out anybody I knew in them,” he said.

    The first clip lasted for about 55 minutes, while the second one lasted for one and a half hours.

    Justice Aikawa adjourned until March 27 and April 10 for continuation of trial.

  • Updated: Diezani bribe: ‘Disgraceful’ INEC chiefs jailed seven years

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday sentenced a former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Administrative Secretary in Kwara State Mr Christian Nwosu to seven years imprisonment.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him for accepting bribe from former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    Also sentenced to seven years was his co-accused, a former INEC official Mr Tijani Bashir.

    EFCC said the defendants conspired to directly take possession of N264,880,000, which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act – gratification.

    Nwosu, who had initially pleaded guilty to receiving N30million bribe from Mrs Alison-Madueke to rig the 2015 general election results at his arraignment on April 5, 2017, changed his plea to not guilty when he was re-arraigned.

    Bashir was accused of indirectly taking possession of and retaining N164,880,000, which he reasonably ought to have known forms part of gratification.

    He also concealed N30million, being part of the proceeds of an unlawful act: “criminal misappropriation”.
    The alleged offences were committed on March 27 and April 7, 2015 and violated provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.

    Justice Mohammed Idris, who concluded the case despite being elevated to the Court of Appeal, had on Thursday held that the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

    The judge, however, could not pass a sentence on the defendants due to Nwosu’s absence due to Ill-health.

    Read Also; Court convicts INEC chiefs for receiving bribe from Diezani

    Handing the final verdict on Friday, Justice Idris sentenced Nwosu to seven years imprisonment on counts one and two, and five years on counts three and four.

    He sentenced Bashir to seven years on count five, and seven years on counts six, seven and eight.
    Justice Idris sentenced them both to seven years each on count nine.

    The judge also ordered the forfeiture of property in Asaba, the Delta capital worth N25million, as well as N5million cash seized from Nwosu.

    Bashir is also to lose his Abuja property.

    The sentences are to run concurrently, the judge held.

    Justice Idris said: “The convicts were officials of INEC and were expected to conduct themselves as impartial umpires in carrying out their activities.

    “I understand it to be the mission of INEC to serve as an independent and effective election management body that is committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible election for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

    “These convicts by their conduct acted in breach of these objectives. Their actions were a disgrace to the institution and a threat to democracy.

    “INEC officials must be made to understand that their conduct must be within the ambit of the law and that anyone who breaches the law will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

    “It must be understood that leadership and governance are serious matters that should be handed over to the most patriotic, best informed minds and the brightest brains for purposes of accountability, responsibility and prosperity of our nation.

    “This country must not be allowed to descend into anarchy, despondency and political infamy by the conduct of an official of government.

    “This country cannot afford an unhealthy electoral body as we go into the forthcoming election. INEC must note that this country deserves a credible election. Anyone that acts contrary to the law will be dealt with.

    “In this regard, the country only needs those with indomitable courage and impeccable political will to perform this duty and those who play ignoble role must be identified.

    “Evil communication, they say, corrupts good manners. In the light of the alocutus, the court will temper justice with mercy to the extent only permitted by the law.

    “Again, a strong message must be sent to INEC that the eyes of the world is on them. The entire nation is watching and those who decide contrary to their code of office will be identified.

    “When they are identified, they will be prosecuted and if found guilty will be punished severely.”

    Before the verdict, defence counsel Victor Opara had urged the court to temper justice with mercy, saying Nwosu was a first offender.

    He said the convict served in INEC for 35 years and is now 64 years and unwell.

    Bashir’s lawyer K.I. Marcus also urged the court to consider that his client is a single parent who lost his wife last October and is taking care of four children alone.

     

     

     

  • Court convicts INEC chiefs for receiving bribe from Diezani

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday convicted a former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Administrative Secretary in Kwara State Mr. Christian Nwosu.

    Also found guilty was his co-accused, a former INEC official Mr. Tijani Bashir.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned them for accepting bribe from former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    The commission said the former minister received gratification from oil marketers such as Auctus Integrated Services Ltd, Northern Belt Oil, Gas Ltd and Midwestern Oil and Gas Ltd and Leno Adesanya.

    The money was part of slush funds distributed with a view to influencing the 2015 general elections, which former President Goodluck Jonathan lost.

    EFCC said the defendants conspired to directly take possession of N264, 880, 000, which they reasonably ought to have known forms part of an unlawful act – gratification.

    The convicts were charged with another INEC official Yisa Adedoyin, who pleaded guilty to the offence and was convicted following a plea bargain.

    Nwosu had initially pleaded guilty to receiving N30million bribe from Mrs. Alison-Madueke to rig the 2015 general election results at his arraignment on April 5, 2017; he changed his plea to not guilty when he was re-arraigned.

    EFCC said the convicts made cash payment of N70, 050, 000 to Adedoyin, which exceeds the amount authorised by law without going through a financial institution.

    Bashir was accused of indirectly taking possession of and retaining N164,880,000, which he reasonably ought to have known forms part of gratification and concealing N30million, being part of the proceeds of an unlawful act: “criminal misappropriation”.

    The alleged offences were committed on March 27 and April 7, 2015 and violated provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.

    In his verdict, Justice Mohammed Idris held that the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

    “I find that the prosecution has proved this case beyond reasonable doubt in a manner required by law.

    “I, therefore, find the first and second defendants guilty as charged,” he held.

    The judge, however, could not pass a sentence on the defendants due to Nwosu’s absence.

    The convict’s lawyer, Obinna Okeke, said Nwosu, based in the Southeast, embarked on a journey to Lagos on Wednesday morning on learning that judgment would be delivered on Thursday.

    The lawyer said Nwosu arrived Lagos late Wednesday.

    “I got a call that he collapsed at the park. He’s on admission in a hospital in Ajangbadi.

    “The doctor had to start administering injections on him. His blood pressure was 200/100. He has been very hypertensive and has not been sleeping,” he said.

    Besides, Okeke said there was a pending appeal on a constitutional issue which the defendants filed at the Court of Appeal.

    “We’re urging your Lordship to grant an adjournment to enable the Court of Appeal dispose of this constitutional issue, by which time the first defendant would have recovered,” he pleaded.

    But, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo urged the court to disregard the hospital report which he described as “worthless” and contradictory.

    He said the doctor’s report stated that Nwosu was “conscious and alert”.

    Read Also: Diezani ‘bribe’: Case transfer sought

    Refusing the prayer for adjournment, Justice Idris held: “The first defendant is absent without any valid reason in my respectful view.”

    On the pending appeal, Justice Idris held that the issue of law raised and any appeal from the judgment would both be determined by the Court of Appeal.

    He added that he was bound by the Constitution to deliver the judgment within 90 days.

    In his verdict, Justice Idris held that the defendants went to a Fidelity Bank Plc branch to “conduct an unusual transaction” that was outside the scope of their functions.

    Contrary to Nwosu’s claim that the money was for logistics purposes, Justice Idris held that the convict had no account in Fidelity Bank where he went to receive the money, nor did he receive any instructions to disburse the cash.

    The judge said the fact that he collected huge sums of cash without going through a financial institution meant that an offence was committed.

    Justice Idris noted that the defendants did not tender any instructions with respect to the transaction, adding the prosecution witnesses’ evidence were not contradicted.

    “The money did not come from any political party. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not issue any cheque in the name of the defendants to legitimise the transaction, neither did INEC.

    “The defendants admitted that they did not receive cheques from anyone, including the PDP or INEC before going to Fidelity Bank. Why did they have to collect such huge amount of money in cash? INEC is not a customer of Fidelity Bank.

    “There was no instruction directing the bank to disburse the said N264, 880, 000 to the intending beneficiaries. The defendants admitted receiving the money.

    “The evidence on record shows that this money did not come from any political party or any other known legitimate source other than the source revealed by the prosecution.

    “The defendants were not customers of Fidelity Bank and were clearly not issued any financial instruments to carry out the transactions.

    “I agree with the prosecution that the manner in which the transaction leading to this charge was consummated shows clearly that the defendants and Fidelity Bank, acting on behalf of Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, agreed to carry out unlawful act.

    “The defendants though may not know reasonably ought to have known in view of the circumstances that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.”

    After the finding the defendants guilty, Justice Idris adjourned until 12 noon today for sentencing.
    He ordered that Nwosu be produced in court while Bashir should be kept in EFCC’s custody.

  • Breaking: Diezani ‘bribe’: court convicts INEC chiefs

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday convicted a former Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Administrative Secretary in Kwara State Mr Christian Nwosu.

    Justice Mohammed Idris found him guilty of laundering N264million.

    “I find that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt in the manner required by law.

    “I, therefore, find the first and second defendants guilty as charged,” the judge said.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Nwosu allegedly accepting gratification from former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke (“still at large”).

    He was re-arraigned along with Tijani Bashir before Justice Idris.

    Read Also: Diezani ‘bribe’: Case transfer sought

    They were charged with another INEC official Yisa Adedoyin, who pleaded guilty to the offence and was convicted following a plea bargain.

    Nwosu had initially pleaded guilty to receiving N30million bribe from Mrs Alison-Madueke to rig the 2015 general election results, but he changed his plea to not guilty.

    Justice Idris has adjourned sentencing until Friday by 12noon to enable Nwosu to be present.

  • Alleged graft: Court grants EFCC leave to arraign Diezani

    A FEDERAL Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Apo yesterday granted the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leave to arraign former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and a former Chairman of Atlantic Energy Drilling Company, Olajide Omokore, on February 25.

    Alison-Madueke and Omokore are to be arraigned on five counts bordering on conspiracy and illegal act of accepting and giving gratifications.

    Justice Valentine Ashi granted the EFCC leave, after prosecution counsel Mr. Faruk Abdullahi  told the court that while investigations were on going,  the former minister left the country and is presently in the United Kingdom (UK).

    Justice Ashi also ordered the EFCC to put its house in order.

    He alleged that Alison-Madueke refused to honour an invitation by the EFCC to appear at the commission.

    The suspects are to be arraigned for allegedly accepting and giving  gift of properties described as penthouse 22 ,Block B, Admiralty Estate, Ikoyi and penthouse 21, building 5, block C, Banana Island, Lagos.

    The EFCC said the alleged offence  contravened the provisions of Sections 26(1) and 17 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences  Act, 2000.

    Abdullahi said on invitation by the EFCC, Mrs. Alison-Madueke refused to honour the invitation but steps are being taken to ensure she comes back to face trial.

    The counsel for the second defendant, Tayo Adeniyo, SAN, told the court that his client was not served with the charges and his client was read to clear his name.

    On November 11, the EFCC confirmed that the process to bring back Alison-Madueke from the United Kingdom had begun.

    The commission’s acting spokesman, Mr. Tony Orilade, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said  that EFCC’s Operations Department had made a presentation to the Legal Department to begin the process.

    He, however, said the action had to be processed through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, explaining that it was not something the commission could commence and conclude on its own.

    “It is ongoing. Within the next few weeks, the extent to which we have gone will be made known to the public.

    “It is not a fresh case; it is not a fresh petition that is just being looked into; the whole process is a total package.

    “This request to have Mrs. Alison-Madueke repatriated to Nigeria is just an aspect of Diezani’s investigation and commencement of trial,” he said.

    In 2017, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the final forfeiture of N7.6 billion alleged loot recovered from the former minister to the Federal Government.

    Justice Abdulazeez Anka granted an application by the EFCC seeking the final forfeiture of the money to the government.

    Granting the application, the judge had said: “I have read the motion on notice seeking the final forfeiture of the sum of N7.6 billion reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

    “I have also gone through the affidavit in support of the application.

    “In the circumstances, I am of the view that the application has merit and is hereby granted as prayed. Parties have a right of appeal.”

    In October, 2017, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General Abubakar Malami said Nigeria had no immediate plan to bring Mrs. Alison-Madueke back home to face trial.

    Mrs. Alison-Madueke, who is being investigated in the UK, had urged the Federal Government to have her repatriated to Nigeria to face corruption charges against her.

  • Magu, UK crime agency parley over extradition of Diezani, others

    FOLLOWING moves to extradite a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu has met with the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the United Kingdom.

    The meeting also discussed the efforts of the commission in the recovering of all ill-gotten assets domiciled in foreign jurisdiction by Nigerian’s Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

    A statement by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Tony Orilade, said the session focused on the extradition of some PEPs.

    The statement said: “Outside the recovery of assets, the EFCC boss in the course of the high power meeting with officials of the NCA also presented the commission’s position on ways to fast-track the extradition of all PEPs who have found safe heavens in foreign jurisdiction.

    “The NCA is a national law enforcement agency in the United Kingdom. It was established in 2013 as a non-ministerial government department, replacing the Serious Organized Crime Agency, SOCA, and absorbing the formerly separate Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre as one of its commands.

    “The EFCC chairman had explained why the anti-graft agency is bent on extraditing all PEPs.

    “For instance, speaking on the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, whose process of extradition from the United Kingdom has commenced, Magu explained that “Having waited for three years, the Nigerian government believes that it is time to initiate the extradition process”.

    “Outside Diezani, there are several other PEPs who have fled into exile since 2015 when the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came on board in May 2015.

    “It would be recalled that in 2017, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the final forfeiture of N7.6 billion alleged loot recovered by the EFCC from the Diezani.

    “The order of final forfeiture to the Federal Government was granted by Justice Abdulazeez Anka.”

    Meanwhile, Magu has again urged the public to support the whistle-blowing policy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the security of the informant is guaranteed.

    A separate statement by the EFCC said Magu gave the assurance in a message to at a Town Hall meeting organized on Whistle Blowing and Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria, at City Green Hotel, Yola Road, Jimeta, Adamawa State

    The EFCC chair was represented by Friday Ebelo, Head of Operations, EFCC Gombe Office.

    He said the Federal Government policy in 2016 based on the Whistle-blower Act.

    The statement said:  “The whistle-blower can report to the authorities through a secure online portal, which would also conceal the identity of the blower through the ministry of finance or through law enforcement agencies like EFCC,” he said.

    “The policy states that if you whistle-blow in good faith, you will be protected; if you feel that you have been treated badly because of your report, you can file a formal complaint. If you report false or misleading information, it will be referred to the enforcement agents for investigation and possible prosecution,” he added.

    He further said that corruption, as we all agreed, is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of every system in Nigeria.

    “It is a crime with such a despicable viral effect and disastrous tendency like terrorism, and is capable of obstructing good governance,” he said.

    He listed EFCC achievements so far on whistle blowing. He said: “On the 10th of February, 2017, $9.2million cash was recovered from a home belonging to the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Andrew Yakubu in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna”.

    He added:  “In that same period, EFCC recovered N450million from an abandoned shop in the Nigerian Air Force Complex in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    “In 2017, the EFCC via information from a whistle-blower helped the government to recover $43.5million, GBP27, 800 and N23. 2million at No 16 Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagoa, Nigeria. It will interest you to know that the Federal Ministry of Finance paid the Ikoyi whistle blower the sum of N421million.

    “This has no doubt reduced the craze for stealing government’s resources and stocking them in unthinkable locations

  • Dasuki, Diezani, Shema, Fayose houses top list of seized assets

    Owners of the  mansions seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been unveiled. They are former governors, ex-ministers, top military officers and businessmen.

    Leading the pack is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who has forfeited some prized assets. Lost to the Federal Government by the ex-Minister are a multi-storey building in Banana Island Foreshore Estate in Ikoyi, Lagos; a real estate comprising six flats in Ikoyi and an estate of 21 mixed housing in Yaba, Lagos.

    Many properties allegedly linked with Diezani have also been placed under interim forfeiture by the anti-graft commission. Also, the EFCC has secured the final seizure of Flat 7B at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos where $43.45 million cash was recovered. The embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, has two properties in Kaduna and Abuja temporarily forfeited to the government.

    Also, a former Managing Director of PPMC, Haruna Momoh, who is overseas, loses two mansions in posh Maitama District to temporary forfeiture order.

    Some ex-governors  and former ministers whose assets have been placed under interim forfeiture are Ibrahim Shema(20); Ayodele Fayose (three); Babangida Aliyu (two); Bello Mohammed (ex-PDP National chairman) – one;  Iyorchia Ayu (one); Isa Yuguda(one) and Abba Moro(one).

    Others are ex-Managing Director of Platinum Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited Mr. Michael Osasogie Obasuyi, who bought 134 buses, 20 houses with N11.4billion slush cash.

    The highlights of the forfeited assets were contained in a document, which The Nation stumbled on.

    According to the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, about 407 mansions were seized by the agency from 2015 to 2018.

    He said: “Hundreds of properties such as filling stations, petroleum products, land, jewellery, automobiles, real estate, vessels, hospitals, company shares and heavy machinery and broadcast equipment, have been seized from corrupt elements between 2015 and 2018.

    “From 2015 to 2018, 407 mansions were seized, 126 have been forfeited finally and 281 are under interim forfeiture.

    “Nine filling stations were seized and placed under interim forfeiture. Lands seized sums up to 98, of which 56 are under interim forfeiture while 42 have been forfeited finally to the Federal Government.”

    The document indicated that the EFCC is empowered by the law to place all suspicious assets under Interim Assets Forfeiture – in line with Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004.

    Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: “Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.”

    Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The Court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

    “Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

    On the forfeited assets, Magu said they had been handed over to the Federal Government for use by Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

    He said: “The ones (the assets) that have been forfeited finally to the Federal Government were those allocated to federal agencies to save cost because these government agencies spend a lot of money to rent properties.

    “We tried as much as possible to avoid recourse to the auctioning of these assets.  If you auction, you sell at peanuts. And the EFCC tried to distant itself from the auctioning of the forfeited properties. We have left the initiative of what to do with recovered assets to the Federal Government.

    “As a matter of fact, I am not interested in any property. To me, to get the work done is the most important.”

  • Ex-INEC chiefs forfeit N387m allegedly received from Diezani

    JUSTICE Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday ordered the temporary forfeiture of N387 million found in the bank accounts of four former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.

    He made the order based on an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The anti-graft agency said the respondents allegedly benefitted from N23 billion, which a former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke allegedly shared to influence the 2015 general election.

    They are Victor Chukwuani, Okesiji Adeniran, Gabriel Oke and Torgba Nyitse.

    In a supporting affidavit, an EFCC investigator Usman Zakari said the former INEC officials received the money through a non-governmental organisation, West Africa Network of Observers (WANEO).

    They were said to have formed the NGO to monitor the 2015 general elections.

    According to Zakari, WANEO had a former INEC Chairman Prof Maurice Iwu as National Coordinator.

    “Although WANEO was formed under the guise of monitoring the conduct of 2015 election, distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, sensitisation of voters, delimitation of electoral constituencies, etc, its primary objective was to ensure the victory of the PDP candidate in the presidential election,” the investigator said.

    Zakari said through WANEO, the former INEC officials allegedly facilitated the disbursement of N510 million received from Diezani to some persons in Osun, Ogun and Oyo states.

    Zakari said the EFCC recovered N387 million out of the N510 million from the four.

    EFCC’s lawyer Nnaemeka Omenwa urged Justice Hassan to order the money’s temporary forfeiture in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14, 2004.

    Justice Hassan granted the ex-parte application as prayed.

    He ordered that anyone interested in the money should appear before him within 14 days to show cause as to why the N387 million should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    He adjourned until August 6.