The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of five properties linked to the former Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Major-General Umaru Mohammed, to the federal government.
Justice Chukujekwu Aneke issued the final forfeiture ruling on Wednesday after a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, A.O. Mohammed.
The properties, which include No.8b, Bedwell Road, Ikoyi; No.3, Force Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; No.14, Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; No.6, Marina, Ikoyi, Lagos; and No. 28, Point Road, Apapa, Lagos, were found to be fraudulently misappropriated and the proceeds of the sale diverted for personal use.
The EFCC had told the court that an investigation revealed that the properties were proceeds of an unlawful activity and that the former Army General had diverted the funds for personal use.
Justice Aneke had earlier ordered the interim forfeiture of the properties on March 4 and directed the publication of the order in a national newspaper, thereby inviting interested parties to present their arguments against the permanent forfeiture of the properties government.
On Wednesday, the EFCC’s lawyer, A.O. Mohammed, moved the application for the properties’ final forfeiture, stating that the commission had complied with the court’s order regarding the publication.
“It will be in the interest of justice for the court to grant the prayers being sought and also order the final forfeiture of the property to the federal government,” the lawyer said.
The judge, after listening to the submissions, ordered the final forfeiture of the properties to the federal government.