The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos on Wednesday restored the interim forfeiture order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking to seize 14 properties linked to the embattled Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello.
Daily Intel recalls that in February 2023, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Lagos, granted the anti-graft agency’s request to temporarily seize 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), which were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
However, Governor Bello challenged the order, arguing that the properties were acquired before his election as governor and therefore could not have been purchased with Kogi State funds.
But delivering the unanimous judgment on EFCC appeal, Justice Yargata Nimpar, held that the Federal High Court erred in law by relying on Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Nimpar in restoring the preservation order held that immunity does not extend to properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, and such assets can be investigated and preserved pending the outcome of a forfeiture application.
The other justices of the panel who concurred with decision are Justice Danlami Senchi and Justice Paul Bassi. They directed the EFCC to proceed to a final forfeiture hearing.
