A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos , has ordered an interim forfeiture of the sum 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.
According to The PUNCH, following an ex parte motion submitted and contested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission attorney Bilkisu Buhari, the presiding judge, Justice Tijjani Ringim, issued the ruling.
Buhari informed the court that the cash was reasonably considered to be the result of illegal conduct, and that the property was also fairly suspected to have been obtained with illegal proceeds.
The EFCC linked the money and property to Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, the former director-general of NIMASA.
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.”
