Convicted Ex-Power Minister: Abuja Court Orders More Billions in Asset Forfeiture

The Federal High Court in Abuja has commanded the permanent confiscation of a high-end apartment, suspected to be acquired with ill-gotten wealth, from a former Minister of Power, handing it over to the Federal Government. This ruling also placed four additional properties under interim forfeiture. Justice James Omotosho issued these directives following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), declaring that Walijam Apartments, situated on Lobito Crescent in Wuse 2, Abuja, was indeed purchased using funds derived from illegal dealings, a fact established during the ex-minister's earlier criminal prosecution.

Among the assets now subject to interim forfeiture orders are Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State, two expansive residences located on Misratah Street in Wuse 2, Abuja, and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, also in Wuse 2, Abuja. Justice Omotosho noted that while the EFCC had not yet provided definitive proof of the former minister's ownership or beneficial interest in these four properties, the anti-graft agency had presented compelling preliminary evidence warranting their temporary seizure.

The judge further mandated the EFCC to publicize this order in a prominent national newspaper within seven days, providing an opportunity for any party with an interest in the properties to contest the forfeiture before it is made permanent. The court dismissed objections raised by the former minister's legal team, who argued that the court no longer possessed jurisdiction after rendering judgment in the initial criminal proceedings. Justice Omotosho clarified that Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act expressly grants the court the authority to issue restitution and forfeiture directives even subsequent to a conviction.

During the proceedings, the EFCC informed the court that investigations revealed the former minister had misappropriated N22 billion from a total sum of N33.8 billion implicated in the case. The commission highlighted that despite earlier forfeiture orders, less than N2 billion had been successfully retrieved to date. Consequently, the anti-graft body contended that the seizure of these additional properties was crucial for recouping a portion of the remaining illicit gains.

This recent judicial pronouncement comes on the heels of the court's verdict on May 7, which found the ex-minister guilty on 12 counts of money laundering. These charges specifically related to funds designated for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects. Justice Omotosho had then handed down a combined sentence of 75 years imprisonment, having established that the former minister siphoned off a minimum of N22 billion through shell companies and collaborators. The court also mandated him to reimburse the unrecovered balance of the misappropriated monies, after accounting for already forfeited assets, and instructed security apparatuses, including INTERPOL, to apprehend him should he be located anywhere.

The judge critically remarked that the diversion of funds earmarked for vital national electricity projects constituted a severe betrayal of public confidence. He pointed out the stark contrast where the former minister amassed personal wealth while countless Nigerians endured inadequate power supply. Weeks of diligent surveillance by the EFCC culminated in the ex-minister's arrest post-conviction, after which he was transferred to a correctional facility to commence his prison sentence. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the commission's resolve to ensure the former minister completes his jail term. Furthermore, the ex-minister is currently embroiled in another legal battle, facing charges in a separate criminal trial concerning an alleged N31 billion fraud.