The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of 52 terrace and maisonette units located in Lekki, Lagos State, to the Federal Government after holding that the properties were linked to proceeds of unlawful activities.
Justice Deinde Alexandra Owoeye gave the order on Wednesday while ruling on an application filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The properties are located at Mercyville Estate, Covenant Way, off New Road, Ilasan, Lekki, and are linked to Fielddreams Limited, Ifeanyi Nweke and Amex Savings and Loans Limited.
The EFCC disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
According to the Commission, its counsel, Franklin Ofoma, told the court that investigations revealed reasonable grounds to suspect that the properties were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
Ofoma urged the court to order the permanent forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government.
The forfeiture proceedings began about two years ago when the EFCC secured an interim forfeiture order from Justice Akintayo Aluko following an ex parte application.
In line with legal requirements, the court had directed the Commission to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting anyone with interest in the properties to appear before the court and show cause why they should not be permanently forfeited.
Following the publication, the respondents opposed the application by filing an affidavit challenging the final forfeiture.
However, after considering the application and processes before the court, Justice Owoeye granted the EFCC’s request and ordered the final forfeiture of the 52 property units to the Federal Government.