In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim order of forfeiture of the sum of N725,345,897.77 and a property located at Plot J 37A 218 Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The funds and property were allegedly diverted from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and were linked to a former Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Patrick Akpobolokemi.
The order was granted by Justice Tijjani Ringim following a motion ex parte filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Bilkisu Buhari.
Buhari informed the court that the funds were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, while the property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity.
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Buhari also begged 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 the 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.”
While 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.”
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