LAGOS: A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim forfeiture order for 14 properties across Lagos, Abuja, and Dubai, allegedly linked to relatives of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The order was issued following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo, who presided over the case, authorized the EFCC to seize the properties, including one located in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
The judge also approved the confiscation of N400 million, recovered from Aminu Falala, which was suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.
Oyedepo told the court the N400 million was intended for the purchase of Plot No. 1224 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, further reinforcing suspicions of illegitimate funds.
Justice Oweibo directed that the order be published within 14 days, allowing interested parties to contest the forfeiture.
Governor Bello, his officials, and family members have recently been under EFCC scrutiny.
News had previously reported that Bello’s nephews, Aliyu Bello and Dauda Suleiman, were implicated in siphoning N10.2 billion from state government accounts and were detained after failing to meet bail conditions.
These houses are to be tendered as evidence in court. Reports indicate that Governor Bello is attempting to influence the presidency to drop the case,” sources said.
The EFCC’s action reflects ongoing efforts to investigate and curb corruption involving high-profile political figures in Nigeria.
