The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned an ex-director and former security chief at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Patrick Akpobolokemi, ex- director-general, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and former Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander Maj. Gen Emmanuel Atewe were re-arraigned for alleged money laundering.
They were accused of converting N8.5 billion from NIMASA for their personal use.
Akpobolokemi and Atewe were re-arraigned with Kime Engozu and Josephine Otuaga before Justice Saliu Saidu on 22-count of money laundering.
They allegedly committed the offence in 2014.
EFCC said the defendants converted the money through various companies, such as Jagan Trading Company Ltd, Jagan Global Services Ltd, Al-Nald Ltd, Paper Warehouse Ltd, Eastpoint Integrated Services Ltd and De-Newlink Integrated Services Ltd.
They allegedly converted N1.8 billion on September 5, 2014, N2 billion on May 20, 2015, and other amounts, using the companies.
The prosecution alleged that Atewe indirectly used N170.3 million belonging to JTF Operation Pulo Shield to acquire 30,000 units of shares, titled: “MTN Linked Units”, “an amount he reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of stealing”.
The former JTF commander was alleged to have also acquired property measuring 50 hectares at Kuje and another 13.032.10 square metres at Kubwa, both in Abuja.
He also allegedly used JTF’s N763.3million to acquire property in Plot MF62 outer Northern Expressway, Cadastral Zone in Abuja, in the name of his company, E.J-Joe Ltd, as well as others in Lugbe, Kuje, between 2014 and last year.
Engozu and Otuaga were said to have received cash exceeding the amount authorised by law without going through a financial institution.
EFCC said Engozu received $22.5 million on November 7, 2014; Otuaga received $527,500 on October 31.
The alleged offence contravenes Section 18(c) of the Money Laundering Act 2012 and punishable under Section 13(3).
The defendants pleaded not guilty.
A prosecution witness, Adamu Usman, who is an EFCC operative, testified that the N8.5 billion was allegedly transferred from NIMASA to JTF, from where it was moved to various companies and laundered by the accused.
Justice Saidu adjourned till February 3 and 20 for continuation of trial.
Tag: EFCC
-
EFCC re-arraigns Akpobolokemi,ex-JTF commander
-
Stolen crude: EFCC traces theft to two big shots, uncovers 35 accounts
•Arrests three as crew members escape
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) has traced the theft of about 1m metric tons of Automated Gas Oil ( AGO) to two highly-placed Nigerians.
The anti-graft agency has uncovered 35 accounts, allegedly belonging to the two highly-placed Nigerians into which proceeds of stolen crude were remitted.
The crew members of the ship allegedly used in the theft escaped arrest by jumping into a gunboat filled with AK47 rifles, it was learnt.
But the EFCC team arrested three workers of the illegal tank farm owners.
According to a top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, the oil vessel, H.W. BECHMAN (with registration number 4914030) was intercepted on Thursday while discharging products into a tank farm in Iwofe Quarters, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The EFCC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, has intercepted a vessel laden with about 1m metric tons of stolen AGO.
“The products were tapped from some burst pipelines in the creeks of the Niger Delta.
“We are on the trail of these highly-placed Nigerians who will soon be interrogated. We will not disclose their identities in order not to jeopardise ongoing investigation.
“But our operatives succeeded in arresting three workers at the tank farm who are helping our detectives.”
“The EFCC will on Monday seek the leave of the court to freeze the 35 accounts pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”
The source added: “Our team discovered that the illegal products were stored in 12 compartments of the vessel out of which seven had been discharged at a tank farm in NEPAS Limited.”
The EFCC has drafted riot policemen to the tank farm to guard the seized vessel.
The EFCC source added: “We have also invited the Department of Petroleum Resources ( DPR) to take a sample of the AGO for laboratory test.
“This is our biggest haul in a vessel. We will bring the perpetrators to book.”
-
Corruption: EFCC moves to arraign 5 more judges
•Seizes CP’s passport over N1.9b contract •Embattled CP warned before, says police source •Cases before troubled judges to be reassigned
All is set for the trial of at least five more judges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission has concluded investigation on the judges.
There were indications that cases being handled by the judges before their travails might be reassigned.
The details were being worked out by the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court (NIC).
Also, it was learnt that the EFCC has seized the passport of a Commissioner of Police, Mr. Victor Onofiok who has been detained in connection with alleged N1.9billion fraud.
According to investigation, out of the six judges under probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), only Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia was arraigned last week.
The others awaiting conclusion of investigation and trial are Justices Mohammed Nasir Yunusa; Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa; Musa Haruna Kurya; Agbadu James Fishim; and Uwani Abba Aji.
A top source at the commission, who spoke in confidence last night, said: “We have concluded investigation on all the judges implicated in some bribery scandals. We are already preferring charges against them.
“Five of them will soon be arraigned in court. In fact, some of the lawyers who abetted such bribe offers had been interrogated too with evidence extracted from them. Two of the lawyers are presently on trial.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “Relevant desks are vetting the charges against these judges for filing.”
The EFCC had filed 27 charges against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Rickey Tarfa for allegedly bribing two judges with N2,335,000.
The affected judges are Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa and Justice Nganjiwa Hyeladzira.
It has also listed eight witnesses against the embattled SAN. But another SAN, Dr. Joseph Nwobike is also in trouble for giving N1,050,000 bribe to the same judges.
All the charges were filed against the two SANs by an Assistant Detective Commander, Mr. G.O. Adebola before the Lagos State High Court. The SANs are presently on trial in Lagos. The latest lawyer on trial is Godwin Obla (SAN) who was arraigned last week with Justice Ajumogobia.
Findings however confirmed that the cases before the troubled judges will be reassigned to their colleagues in order to protect the interest of litigants.
It was learnt that the leadership of the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court had been working on the details.
Another source said: “In line with the directive of the National Judicial Council, the judges have stayed away from sitting but they are still receiving salaries pending the outcome of their trial.
“The only challenge facing the leadership of the Federal High Court and the NIC is how to manage the cases these judges had been handling. There is no way litigants can wait till the trial of these judges is concluded before getting justice.
“We may reassign their cases to other judges. But some of these cases might start afresh especially those at the judgment stage.”
Meanwhile, the EFCC has seized the passport of the detained Commissioner of Police, Onofiok.
The suspect, who is the CP for Works Department at the Force Headquarters, was detained in connection with an ongoing investigation for alleged N1.9billion fraud.
A source in EFCC said: “The travelling passport of the CP has been seized. Detectives are also screening some accounts belonging to him and some of the slush companies linked to the CP.
“The companies include: Dutse Allah Construction Ventures; Nne-Edak Technical Ventures; Puristic Adherent Company; Quality Watch Construction Company and Faksene International.”
A police source said: “Some senior and junior police officers were not surprised about the arrest of the CP Works because he had been warned before against some of his conduct in office.
“We hope the EFCC will do a thorough job like the case with the ex-IGP Tafa Balogun.” -
EFCC: N2.8b cash for ex-militants’ stipends withdrawn 35 times
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detectives have uncovered how N2.8billion meant for the training of ex-Niger Delta militants was diverted.
The money was withdrawn 35 times, alleged orders of a former Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku.
The funds were converted to dollars by six bureau de change and disbursed through Kuku’s two aides.
Some of the funds were wired into the accounts of the brothers and associates of a former coordinator of the scheme, Dr. Kingsley Kuku and some former militants
The EFCC has launched a manhunt for Kuku who is believed to be in the United States.
Kuku, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche; Nwuche’s group, Foundation For Youth Development(FYD) and two others are under investigation on how the cash was disbursed and the purpose for which it was spent.
But Nwuche has denied any complicit in the matter.
A document obtained by our correspondent shows that the cash, which was meant for contracts was converted to dollars between March 26, 2012 and March 5, 2013.
Although there were conflicting claims on what the cash was spent on, the EFCC is probing clues that the money might have been laundered.
Two former aides of Kuku and six Bureau de Change dealers are under probe.
Some of the curious withdrawals are as follows: 9/10/ 12- $2m withdrawn through Shilon BDC; 21/ 11/ 12—$1.4m from Abdullahi BDC; 26/3/12—$1m paid through DLH BDC Limited to Kuku’s aide, Dr. Andrew Iyamu; 4/5/12 ($500,000); 22/11/12-cash of $1.2m through Gadlam Global Investment; $721,000 cash handed over to Andrew on 5/3/2013 through Skyegate BDC; 17/4/13-cash of $2m through Cannew Nigeria Limited handed over to Kuku’s aide; and 19/4/13- about $758,000 handed over to Andrew by Hand to Hand BDC.
Other withdrawals include22/11/12——$300,000; 11/08/12- cash of $695,000; 11/9/12—$137,908; 20/11/12—$435,000; $500,000 through Nigare BDC;
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have interrogated some people, including a former Deputy Speaker, Nwuche. We need to hear from Kuku who has fled under the guise of medical treatment. The disbursement of the funds by the Foundation For Youth Development(FYD) was said to be based on the instructions of Kuku.
“We might be forced to declare the former coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme wanted.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “The N2.8billion was the payment for three contracts to be executed by FYD for the training of ex-militants on some vocational skills abroad. But the jobs were yet to be done.
“The FYD claimed that the ex-Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kuku, pleaded that the cash be advanced as a loan to meet urgent demands of ex-militants and prevent restiveness in the region.
“But there is no record of the loan in the handover note of Kuku. We are asking FYD and Kuku to explain how such a huge cash was spent.
“The EFCC is determined to recover the N2.8billion public funds. We will get to the root of how this cash was shared out for nothing.”
In a memo to the Joint Committee on Public Procurement and Niger Delta Affairs, the FYD explained its roles in the disbursement of the cash.
“We have provided copious documentary evidence to prove that FYD was, as it now appears, defrauded by Kingsley Kuku and indeed the victim in this scam.
”Perhaps the time has come to put official pressure on all those mentioned to have collected the monies. They seem to think that it is just the pressure from our client, hence the apparent lack of traction from the EFCC to bring them to book.
“We partner as training facilitators to the Office of Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and to this end, we have completed three contracts awarded to us for the training of ex-militant in Tati University College, Malaysia(50); Haiphong Polytechnic College, Vietnam(183) and World Maritime University and Copenhagen Malmo Maritime Academy, Sweden(72).
“We received various requests for loan for the payment of stipends to the ex-militants and their leaders and various stakeholders in support of the government Amnesty Programme and made disbursement to the tune of N2,864,584,979 on the instruction of the Special Adviser to the President, Hon. Kingsley Kuku between 26th of March 2012 and 3rd of May 2013.
“These requests were made by Kuku to the Chairman of FYD, Prince Chibudom Nwuche. The sum was disbursed to some beneficiaries known to Kuku and his intermediary, Dr. Andrew Iyamu who was introduced to us as liaison officer on ex-militants and stakeholders matter. The period of these last disbursements was between the 10th of September 22 and 3rd of May 2013.
“On the 7th of December 2012, we demanded for refund of sum advanced and on the 21st of June 2013, we requested for the liquidation disbursement of the N2,864,584,979.
“Kuku complained of shortfall in budget passed by the National Assembly and promised to refund when supplementary budget is passed.
“We progressed with the screening of the delegates after substitution of training institutions, procured international passports, secured admission letters, made deposit for admission space and accommodation. When screening was being done, we sent another reminder to Kuku on 4th September, 2014. But a mail was received from Amnesty Office through Mr. Lewis Ekiyor to stop issuance of delegates to FYD.”
However, Kuku vehemently denied ever directly or indirectly collecting any money from Nwuche’s firm, wondering why he would ever contemplate doing so when the PAP was properly funded during his tenure as the SA.
He said: “I want to put it on record that the PAP gave contract to Nwuche’s firm, FYD, for the training of our delegates but I did not at any time collect a dime from him or through anybody either as loan or kickback.
“Nwuche is simply trying to blackmail me for the good thing I did for him but I will soon meet him in court so that he can challenge me with the evidence of how I demanded and collected loan from him and his company.”
-
EFCC takes anti-corruption campaign to YABATECH
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken its anti-corruption crusade to the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) to sensitise students on the need to join the campaign
Some EFCC officials led some members of civil society groups and some lawyers to sensitise students on the crusade at a seminar organised by the Centre for Global Peace Initiatives (CGPI).
At event, with the theme: Corruption, poverty and violence: Understanding the nexus, were the United Action for Change (UAC) convener, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) Executive Director, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) Chairman, Mr Debo Adeniran and The Muslim Congress (TMC) leader Dr Luqman Abdur-Raheem.
EFCC’s Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu, in his speech titled: Corruption and the dwindling economic space, told students to embark on “aggressive public awareness” against corruption.
He said: “The fight against corruption is one that requires the support of every well-meaning citizen irrespective of status. The Federal Government and the commission cannot do it alone. We want students to embrace this effort and join hands with us to rid the country of corruption. We commend CGPI and we are willing to partner with the body on programmes that would help tame corruption.”
Magu, who was represented by the EFCC’s legal officer, Mr Ben Ikani, said there was need for government and citizens to forge a common front in tackling the scourge of corruption, saying the current economic recession was a result of years of mismanagement of the nation’s economy.
The EFCC boss said the present dispensation had made progress in bringing back transparency and accountability to governance, noting that the business environment was reacting positively to the business ethics being promoted by government. He urged students’ groups to embark on public awareness against corruption.
Admitting the role of international institutions in the fight against corruption, Magu said both Transparency International (TI) and the World Bank provided assistance to the agency in terms of designing of anti-corruption policies.
Adeniran noted that students needed to expose themselves to environment that would expand their knowledge beyond the academic environment.
He said: “Excuses are expression of personal inadequacies. This is the trend that results in multiplying poverty in the society. Students have to be creative, while parents too must also equip their children with good values.”
Banire, who chaired the occasion, proposed a new legal framework in tackling corruption. The framework, according to him, will be aided by the Freedom of Information Law (FOI).
He said “We need legislations that will give the people access to any information about the government’s activities. There are still some states that are yet to domesticate the FOI Law. The Federal Government needs to ensure states domesticate this law.”
On how to overcome the menace of corruption, Banire called for stringent punishments for corrupt officials, adding that the society should desist from glorifying corrupt acts.
CGPI Executive Director, Comrade Ayinde Yekinni, said the body was ready to partner with students’ groups across campuses to end corruption and reposition the country for development.
-
Court dismisses judge’s ‘illegal detention’ suit against EFCC
Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed a suit by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia seeking to declare her detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) illegal.
Justice Ajumogobia, who was transferred from the court’s Lagos Division to Ilorin, was detained for allegedly collecting N5 million gratification from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Godwin Obla.
Her transfer came after she was sanctioned by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which barred her from elevation to a higher court for gross misconduct.
She and Obla were on Monday arraigned on a 30-count charge at the Lagos High Court for allegedly conspiring to pervert justice last May 21.
The commission said Obla transferred N5 million to Nigel & Colive Ltd, a company the judge was sole signatory to.
Ajumogobia, through her lawyer Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), sought to enforce her fundamental rights.
Dismissing the suit, Justice Hassan held that the remand order EFCC obtained from a Magistrates’ Court to detain the judge was valid.
According to Justice Hassan, the remand order was issued pursuant to Section 264 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The judge refused to make an order releasing her from EFCC’s custody since she had been admitted to bail by Justice Hakeem Oshodi.
“The issue of the applicant’s bail from EFCC’s custody has been overtaken by the event of her arraignment at the Lagos High Court and her subsequent release on bail by the court.
“The applicant’s lawyer is also at liberty to challenge the continued detention of the applicant by the respondent after the expiration of the Magistrates’ Court’s remand order.
“In light of recent events in this matter, this suit is hereby struck out,” the judge held. -
EFCC gets video of how N2.7b Amnesty cash was diverted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received some documents on how about N2.7 billion Presidential Amnesty Programme cash was diverted.
The cash is believed to have been wired into the accounts of the brothers of a former coordinator of the scheme, Dr. Kingsley Kuku and some former militants.
Kuku, who is said to be in the United States, is yet to respond to EFCC’s invitation since July 28, last year.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The EFCC has retrieved video tapes and documents on how N2.7billion was disbursed to Kuku’s brothers and some former militants. While some funds were transferred, others were paid in cash to Kuku’s brothers”.
The source said: “Three projects were initially awarded to Foundation For Youth Development (FFYD) for the training of ex-militants in various vocations in Sweden, Vietnam and Malaysia.
“After payment, Kuku ran to FFYD that the Amnesty Programme had an emergency challenge with the ex-militants and requested that the N2.6billion and additional N100million be advanced as loan. He said he did not want the ex-militants to create tension and security breach
“So, about N2.7billion was given to the Amnesty Programme as a loan. A list of the beneficiaries was provided by the Amnesty Programme and the cash disbursed to them. These beneficiaries included ex-militants and Kuku’s brothers. The boys went to Kuku and he gave us instructions to disburse.
“All these transactions were actually documented for easy tracking. Relevant evidence has been submitted to EFCC.”
“The Amnesty Programme still owes about N5billion since a vessel was bought for the agency in 2013.”
The EFCC has been on Kuku’s trail. He is said to be on a medical trip to the United States. -
EFCC arraigns judge, SAN for alleged corruption, forgery
SOME OF THE CHARGES
•Obla offered Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia N5million
•Unlawfully enriching herself as a public officer
•Received $793,800 in several transactions from various sources between 2012 and 2015 ‘so as to have a significant increase in your assets that you cannot reasonably explain the increase in relation to your lawful income’
•Forged a deed of assignment of County City Bricks Development Company Limited and Nigel & Colive Limited dated July 5, 2010
•Giving false information to the EFCCThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and a senior lawyer, Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) for alleged bribery and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
The judge and the senior lawyer were arraigned on a 30-count charge before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja.
The charges were read to them after Justice Oshodi ordered them to move from the court gallery into the dock.
“Unfortunately, you have to be in the dock,” Justice Oshodi told them.
The defendants were asked by the court’s registrar if they understood English language, to which they answered in the affirmative.
Thereafter, each of the 30-count charge was read.
The EFCC, alleged that Obla, while appearing in a suit before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, offered a gratification of N5million to the judge to allegedly induce her to refrain from acting in the exercise of her official duties as a public officer.
Obla, the EFCC claimed, paid the money from the account of his company, Obla & Company Limited, with United Bank for Africa, to Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia through the bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd in Diamond Bank Plc.
The EFCC claimed that the judge and the lawyer acted contrary to sections 64 (1) and 97 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, No. 11, 2011.
They both pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Obla was dressed in a blue suit, a white shirt and a blue tie to match. His co-defendant, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was in a black suit and a skirt.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, who had 24 out of the 30 counts preferred against her, was accused of unlawfully enriching herself as a public officer, contrary to the provision of Section 82(a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State No. 11, 2011.
The judge was alleged to have received $793,800 in several transactions from various sources between 2012 and 2015 “so as to have a significant increase in your assets that you cannot reasonably explain the increase in relation to your lawful income”.
According to the EFCC, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, by her actions, violated Section 82(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, No. 11, 2011.
The judge was alleged to have forged a deed of assignment of County City Bricks Development Company Limited and Nigel & Colive Limited dated July 5, 2010, which the EFCC claimed was purportedly prepared and signed by Charles Musa & Co.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 467 of the Criminal Code Cap C17, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.
In count 30, the EFCC accused Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of giving false information to one of its operatives, Lawal Abdullahi, on October 19, 2016 by allegedly claiming on the telephone to be on admission at Gold Cross Hospital, Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, while she was not there.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 39(2)(a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia pleaded not guilty to the charges.
EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo prayed the court for a trial date and for an order remanding the defendants in prison custody pending their trial.
But Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia’s counsel, Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN), and Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), for Obla, said while they had no objection to the prayer for a trial date, they were opposed to the application to remand their clients in prisons.
Both of them told the court that they had filed bail applications for their clients.
Akoni urged Justice Oshodi to grant Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia bail on self-recognition as a judge of the Federal High Court or to grant her bail on liberal terms, with a condition that the EFCC should not be the one to verify the bail conditions.
Adedipe also prayed Justice Oshodi to grant Obla bail on liberal terms, assuring that he would make himself available for trial.
“When he was allowed to travel to the U.S., he did so and returned and submitted his passport to the EFCC.
“He is one of them in EFCC. He prosecutes cases for them. Rather than pay him, they dragged him to court. He is a respected member of the Bar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” Adedipe said.
Oyedepo opposed their requests and urged Justice Oshodi not to grant the defendants bail but to order an accelerated hearing of the case.
Oyedepo said if released on bail, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia would interfere with investigation and the prosecution witnesses.
He recalled that it was on that basis that the EFCC revoked the administrative bail earlier granted the judge.
After standing down the case for about two hours, Justice Oshodi, in a ruling, admitted both defendants to bail on self-recognition.
He ordered them to deposit N20m each and their passport to the chief registrar of the court pending conclusion of their trial.
Justice Oshodi warned that the bail would be revoked if the defendants failed to meet the conditions within seven days.
The trial began immediately thereafter, with the EFCC calling its first witness, Mr. Adedamola Oshodi, a Diamond Bank Plc official.
The case was, however, adjourned till January 9, next year for continuation of trial, following the submission of the defence counsel who said they were not prepared for the trial. -
Why Fayose’s seized assets cannot be released, by EFCC
•Court to hear motion Dec 19
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given reasons why the six houses seized from Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose may never be returned to him.
The EFCC said the houses – in Lagos and Abuja – were seized via a court order issued on July 20.
It said it had, in the course of investigation, found that the houses were acquired through third parties, who it has identified and has “proceeded against”.
The commission said the question of whether or not to vacate the July 20 order no longer arises as the new owners have been identified and a new order issued against them.
The EFCC said this in its counter affidavit to a motion by Fayose asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to vacate the July 20 order.
The houses include: four units of 4-bedroom apartments at Chalets 3, 4, 6 and 9 Plot 100, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Others are: 44 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja and Plot 1504 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja.
The EFCC said, in its counter affidavit, its investigation revealed that the houses were acquired through companies known as J.J. Technical Service, Spotless Investment Limited and Mrs. Moji Ladeji.
It said at the expiration of the July 20 order given by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba (of the Federal High Court, Abuja), it went before Justice Okon Abang for a new order of interim forfeiture granted on November 3.
The EFCC argued that in view of the new interim order, which is to last until the case against the new owners is concluded, Fayose’s motion before Justice Dimgba has become an academic exercise.
It said: “It is thus of interest to state that in view of the respondent’s exhibit EFCC1 (a copy of the order by Justice Abang), the order now being sought by the applicant has been overtaken by time and event.
“The applicant’s application is thus, a pure waste of time and an academic exercise, which is based on nothing,” the EFCC said.
The absence of Fayose’s lead lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, prevented the hearing of the application yesterday.
Following the agreement of both lawyers to return for the hearing, Justice Dimgba adjourned till December 19. -
Why Fayose’s seized assets cannot be released – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given reasons why the six houses seized from Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose may never be returned to him.The EFCC said the houses – both in Lagos and Abuja – were seized via a court order issued on July 20 this year while it was investigating the governor in relation to various offences including diversion of public funds.It said it has, in the cause of investigating Fayose, found that the houses were acquired through third parties, who it has identified and has “proceeded against.”The commission said the question of whether or not to vacate the July 20 order for the seizure of the house no longer arises as the new owners of the houses have been identified and a new order has been issued against them.The EFCC stated its position in its counter affidavit to a motion by Fayose asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to vacate the July 20 order for temporary forfeiture of his houses.The house include: four units of 4 bedroom at Charlets 3, 4, 6 and 9 Plot 100 Tiamiyi Salvage V. I. Lagos.Others are: No: 44 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja and Plot 1504 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja.The EFCC said, in its counter affidavit, that its investigation has revealed that houses were acquired through companies known as J.J. Technical Service, Spotless Investment Limited and one Mrs. Moji Ladeji.It said at the expiration of the July 20 order given by Justice Nmandi Dimgba (of the Federal High Court, Abuja) for 45, it went before another judge of the court – Justice Okon Abang – for a new order of interim forfeiture granted on November 3 this year.The EFCC argued that in view of the new interim order of forfeiture, which is to last until the case against the new owners of the properties is concluded, Fayose’s motion now before Justice Dimgba has become an academic exercise.“An order was made by this court on the 20th of July 2016 for interim attachment/forfeiture of the properties contained in this application for a period of 45 days.“The order has since lapsed and the respondent, upon further investigation, discovered the names through which the properties were acquired and had to proceed against those names.“The respondent (EFCC) re-attached the properties and reapplied to this honourable court for fresh order before Honourable Justice Okon Abang, which application was considered and granted.“An order of interim or forfeiture is meant to preserve the res (subject matter) pending investigation or conclusion of trial.“It is thus of interest to state that in view of the respondent’s exhibit EFCC1 (a copy of the order by Justice Abang), the order now being sought by the applicant has already been overtaking by time and event.“The applicant’s (Fayose’s) application is thus, a pure waste of time and an academic exercise, which is based on nothing,” the EFCC said.The absence of Fayose’s lead lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) prevented the hearing of the Governor’s application yesterday.Following the agreement of lawyers to both sides to return another day for the hearing, Justice Dimgba adjourned to December 19.