EFCC has obtained an interim forfeiture order to seize 14 properties linked to Kogi State government officials...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained an interim forfeiture order from Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos, enabling them to seize 14 properties and firms in Lagos, Abuja, and the UAE that are linked to some Kogi State government officials.

The order also allows the EFCC to confiscate N400million recovered from Aminu Falala, who is connected to the alleged fraud. The application for the interim forfeiture was brought by the EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), based on the investigation of "damning intelligence of monumental fraud allegedly perpetrated by some principal officers of Kogi State Government and their cronies."

Oyedepo claimed that huge sums of money belonging to the Kogi State Government were fraudulently converted and used to either outrightly acquire properties or renovate already existing but dilapidated buildings.

The judge also ordered the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper within 14 days, giving any interested party the chance to show cause why the forfeiture order should not be permanent. The case was adjourned until March 28 for a report on compliance with the order.