The provisional forfeiture of N725 345 897.77 and Plot J 37A 218 Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, which were allegedly diverted from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, was ordered by Judge Tijani Ringim of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday (NIMASA).
After hearing an ex parte motion that counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bilkisu Buhari, had submitted and argued, Judge Ringim issued the ruling.
Buhari had told the judge that it was reasonably suspected that the money the EFCC claimed to have recovered was the result of illegal conduct, and that it was also reasonably thought that the property had been bought with the proceeds of illegal activity.
The former NIMASA director-general, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, was connected to the funds and assets by the commission.
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.
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