Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Sokoto State High Court, on Monday, granted a final order forfeiting the sum of N1,362,675,353 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The money had been seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On July 2, 2021, the judge granted an interim order of forfeiture following an exparte application by the EFCC.
Mohammed directed that the ruling be published in a national newspaper for any one with interest in the money to show cause why it should not be permanently handed over to the government.
At today’s hearing, EFCC counsel, S. H. Sa’ad, said the commission complied, made the publication, and wants the money ceded to FG.
Counsel to the respondents, Shamsu Dauda, did not oppose the application.
After submissions of the lawyers, Justice Mohammed ordered the final forfeiture.
The EFCC in Sokoto had traced the funds, suspected to be proceeds of illicit activities, to the bank account of the first respondent, Aishatu Bandado Magaji.
Others respondents were First Ninety Degrees Continental Ltd, Priceless Legacy Hub Ltd, and ABM International Ltd