Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, on Friday, ordered the final forfeiture of the sum of N49m to the Federal Government.
The money was intercepted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Office, on March 14, 2017, at the Kaduna International Airport.
The money, all mint, stashed in five large 150 kg sacks, was intercepted by EFCC operatives, following an intelligence report received by the zone.The final forfeiture order followed a motion on notice brought by EFCC through prosecution counsel, Joshua Saidi and Onyeka Ekweozor.
After obtaining an interim forfeiture order, some persons showed up and claimed to be the owners of the abandoned money.They further filed a counter affidavit against the commission’s motion for the final forfeiture in suit No: FHC/KD/CS/32/17 between Oyebanji Olaitan Steve & others Vs EFCC.
Consequently, the court ordered for oral evidence to be taken as there were conflicts in the various affidavits filed by the parties.In his ruling, Justice Shuaibu granted EFCC motion for the final forfeiture of the sum, as he dismissed the applicants’ claims.
-GUARDIA-
