“…the affected property include 10 property in Enugu, three in the United States of America, two in the UK, one in Lagos, nine in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate and 15 located in the Federal Capital Territory.”
*Photo: Senator Ekweremadu *
A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, ordered an interim forfeiture of 40 landed property linked to Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, former Deputy Senate President.
Justice Inyang Ekwo following an ex -parte motion filed and moved by Ibrahim Buba, lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, are currently in custody in the United Kingdom (UK), over allegations bordering on organ trafficking of David Ukpo, who is said to be a minor.
Justice Ekwo, who granted the motion, ordered the anti-graft agency to publish the interim forfeiture order of the property in a national daily within seven days.
The judge direct anybody who had interest in the forfeited property to indicate within 14 days of the publication of the interim forfeiture order on why the property should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Ekwo then adjourned the matter until Dec. 5 for a report.
The Shield Online reports that Afeez Mustapha, an investigator with the EFCC, in a supporting affidavit to the application for the forfeiture, disclosed that the Commission commenced investigation of Ekeremadu following intelligence received from some foreign entities on suspicion of money laundering involving the acquisition of several properties in United Kingdom, Dubai and the United States of America through proxies and unregistered companies.
The schedule of properties attached to the forfeiture application listed properties allegedly acquired by Ekweremudu with funds not supported by his legitimate income to include, among others, a London property at Flat 4, Varsity Court, Hormer Street ( WIH4NW) which was acquired on December 4, 2008 for £830,000; three properties in Florida, United States, one of which was purchased for $155,000 USD; a property on approximately 3000 square meter parcel of land consisting of 7 bedroom detached Boys Quarters, swimming pool, enclosed 3 car garage with roller shutter doors, gate house and generator house at No.6 Ilado Close, Ikoyi, Lagos bought for N630million on August 8, 2015; three blocks of six flats each, totaling 18 luxury flats at Plot 904 Durumi, Abuja acquired for N700million and Four Rootown House at Villa No. 148 Maeeni the Lahes Emirate Hill Dubai valued at $250,00 USD.