The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been granted permission to seize 40 properties traced to former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, even as he continues to face Organ Harvesting Charges in the United Kingdom.
The federal high court in Abuja earlier today granted the anti-graft agency the permission to temporarily seize the properties.
Presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, granted the interim forfeiture order, after he heard an ex-parte application that was brought before the court by the EFCC.
The EFCC in a statement, further confirmed the development, disclosing that the properties in question were subject to investigation as they were under suspicion of being acquired through illegal means; including money laundering.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter till December 5 for a report on objections from any member of the public that has interest in any of the properties.
Recall the ex-Senate president is still in the United Kingdom, facing trial for attempting to purchase an organ for his ailing child. He had allegedly smuggled one David Ukpo into the country for this purpose before he was caught alongside his wife. Ekwerenadu’s wife has however been released.
Read statement below:
Court Gives EFCC Nod to Publish Ekweremadu’s 40 Properties for Forfeiture
The EFCC, on Friday, November 4, 2022, secured the nod of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to publish an order of interim forfeiture of 40 landed properties belonging to a former Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.
Justice Inyang Ekwo made the order while ruling on a motion exparte brought by the EFCC in Suit No.FHC/ABJ/CS/ 1242/2022.
The Commission had approached the court for an Order of interim forfeiture of the said properties which “are subject matters of investigation, enquiry and examination by the EFCC which are reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activity of money laundering committed by the respondents”
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