A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a definitive order for the final forfeiture of a London property connected to the late former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Jeremiah Useni, to the Federal Government. This ruling, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on Tuesday, marks the culmination of a legal process initiated by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which the court found to be well-founded and substantiated by credible evidence.
Property Details and Legal Proceedings
The property in question is situated at No. 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London, and has been identified as having been acquired through proceeds derived from unlawful activities. The court had previously granted an interim forfeiture order on November 28, following which the CCB was directed to publish a notice inviting any interested parties to contest the forfeiture. However, no individuals or organizations came forward to lay claim to the property, leading to the court's decision to grant the final forfeiture application.
Investigation Findings and Wealth Discrepancy
In an affidavit submitted by CCB investigator Raji Rasaq, it was disclosed that a United Kingdom tribunal had already established that Jeremiah Useni was the beneficial owner of the property. The acquisition was allegedly made under a fictitious identity while Useni was serving in public office, with findings indicating that the funding sources were illicit. Rasaq further elaborated that a financial analysis, utilizing remuneration data from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), demonstrated that Useni's legitimate earnings were insufficient to finance the property purchase. This analysis revealed a significant unexplained wealth gap, strongly suggesting that the funds originated from undisclosed or unlawful activities.
Connection to Mike Ozekhome
The property has also been linked to Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in a separate ownership dispute that was previously adjudicated by a UK tribunal. The case, which was filed before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Land Registration in the United Kingdom, involved competing claims between Ozekhome and an individual named Tali Shani over the ownership of the same property. This connection adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and investigative narratives surrounding the asset.
The final forfeiture order underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing corruption and recovering assets suspected to be linked to illicit activities, reinforcing the legal framework for asset recovery in Nigeria.
