Abuja Court Orders Forfeiture of ₦335 Million, Hospital, and 5 Filling Stations to Federal Government
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of ₦335 million, a hospital, five petroleum filling stations, and multiple real estate assets to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Counsel to the anti-graft agency, Fadila Yusuf, had moved the application in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The court held that the EFCC had complied with all legal requirements, including a previous interim forfeiture order granted on August 13, 2024. That interim order had directed the publication of the assets in a national newspaper, allowing anyone with interest to present their case. According to EFCC’s affidavit deposed by Tahiru Ahmed, no party had laid claim to the properties since publication in Punch newspaper on September 4, 2024.
Justice Nwite ruled that the commission’s request was meritorious, stating, “Having reviewed the application and the evidence presented, I am satisfied that the forfeiture should be granted as prayed.”
Highlights of Forfeited Assets Include:
- Galaxy Hospital, Maiduguri
- Residential and commercial plots in Abuja, Borno, Niger, and Nasarawa States
- Five petroleum filling stations in Borno and Kaduna States
- Over ₦330 million spread across several corporate bank accounts, including those of Galaxy Transportation & Communication Services Ltd and Galaxy Energy International Concept Ltd
Many of the listed properties and funds were allegedly proceeds of unlawful activities. The forfeiture marks another win for the EFCC in its effort to recover assets linked to financial crimes.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s support in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
