February 23, (THEWILL) – A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the interim forfeiture of about 10 properties and funds in banks allegedly owned by a former governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari, to the Federal Government.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osuobeni Akponimisingha.
The judge held that after carefully reading through the ICPC’s motion, exhibits attached and other processes, he was inclined to grant the order.
He said the court was empowered to grant the application going by the relevant sections of the law and the money laundering act.
According to the judge, granting the application will not deny anyone a fair hearing.
Justice Egwuatu said the interim order granted would last for 60 days to enable the ICPC to conclude its investigation, following which the commission could apply for final forfeiture.
Also, he directed that the order be published in the Nation and Daily Trust Newspapers and that the interested party should file an application to show why the property should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
Thereafter, he adjourned the matter until April 28 to hear the motion for final forfeiture.
Some of the properties, according to the ICPC, are located in the highbrow areas of Abuja, Maryland in the United States, Kaduna and Zamfara.
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