The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a final forfeiture order for a Hawker private jet 125, connected to fraudulent activities under the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project (MEPP). The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Details of the Forfeiture
The aircraft, a Hawker 800XP model with serial number 258553 and registration number 5N-AMK, was forfeited following an application by the EFCC. The court ruled that Valiente Jet Limited, owned by Abdulsalam Kachallah, failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify retaining the jet.
Justice Nwite stated that the interested party did not demonstrate the lawful origin of the funds used to purchase the aircraft. He emphasized that the acquisition was conducted in a disguised manner, involving a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator who denied knowledge of the transaction's nature, further indicating its unlawfulness.
Background of the Case
The court had previously granted an interim forfeiture order on November 13, 2025, and directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, allowing interested parties to contest the permanent forfeiture. Following the publication, Valiente Limited filed affidavits to show cause.
The application for final forfeiture was supported by an affidavit from Aminu Abdullahi, an EFCC investigator. According to the investigator, the commission received intelligence regarding conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and money laundering involving Kachallah.
