The Borno State High Court in Maiduguri has issued an order for the interim forfeiture of a four-bedroom bungalow believed to be connected to an alleged investment scam involving N345 million. This development was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Court Ruling on Ex Parte Application
Justice Babagana Karumi granted the forfeiture order following an ex parte application submitted by the anti-graft agency. The property, situated on a 50-foot by 100-foot plot of land at Dikecheri Mashamari Ward in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, is suspected by investigators to have been acquired using proceeds from criminal activities.
According to the EFCC, the case revolves around one Udda Ahmad, also known as Imam Dawud. He allegedly approached a businessman named Ahmadu Idris in 2022 and 2023 with a proposal to supply wheat offal at a discounted price, promising profit-sharing arrangements. Investigators reported that Idris subsequently transferred N345 million for the transaction, but the funds were allegedly diverted for personal use.
Details of the Application
EFCC lawyer Mukhtar Ahmed informed the court that the application was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit sworn by investigator Maina Muhammad. The affidavit detailed how the property was linked to the suspected proceeds of the fraudulent transaction. Ahmed also explained that the commission acted on a petition signed by K.M. Haruna on behalf of Idris, alleging misappropriation of the funds intended for the offal deal.
After hearing the application, Justice Karumi granted the request and ordered the interim forfeiture of the property pending the conclusion of the investigation and potential prosecution.
Separate Forfeiture Order on Accounts and Phones
In a separate ruling on the same day, Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri issued an interim forfeiture order and a freezing directive on assets belonging to another suspect, Muhammad Abubakar, also known as Abubakar Muhammad. This order followed an ex parte motion moved by Ahmed, supported by a 20-paragraph affidavit and two exhibits sworn by investigator Suleiman Bawa.
The affected assets include a Keystone Bank account (number 6044662000) held in the name of Muhammad Abubakar, as well as a Tecno Camon 40 Pro and an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Justice Dagat ordered that the account and the items be placed under interim forfeiture to the Federal Government pending the outcome of the investigation into allegations of criminal misappropriation and cheating.
Understanding Interim Forfeiture
Interim forfeiture is a temporary court order used to preserve assets while the legitimacy of their ownership or the circumstances of their acquisition are determined. Such orders can be issued in criminal proceedings or non-conviction-based proceedings. In non-conviction proceedings, an interim order or final forfeiture order does not constitute a conviction.
A Familiar Pattern in Fraud Cases
The latest rulings follow a pattern seen in Maiduguri courts. In a recent case, the EFCC arraigned a defendant before the Borno State High Court over an alleged N4.3 million rice supply fraud, where funds meant for purchasing rice were allegedly diverted for personal use. Across several of these cases, the allegations follow a similar storyline: promises of bulk supply deals involving rice, wheat, or other staple goods, followed by large transfers from victims who believe they are entering legitimate trading arrangements.
