Justice Tijjani Ringim of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an order of interim forfeiture on Monday. The order targets the sum of N725,345,897.77 and the property known as Plot J 37A 218, Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, which are alleged to have been diverted from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The order followed an ex parte motion presented by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Bilkisu Buhari. Buhari told the court that the money was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity and that the property was likely acquired with such proceeds. The EFCC linked both the funds and the property to former NIMASA Director‑General Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.
Buhari also requested that the EFCC be directed to publish the interim order in a national newspaper, stating that “anyone interested in the properties sought to be forfeited should appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
In 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 it is granted as prayed.”
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