The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday sealed off two choice mansions of a former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion in Abuja.


The two properties are those on 7, Justice Fatai Williams Street, Asokoro Abuja and 5, Danube Crescent , Maitama Abuja.

The seal off followed a forfeiture order granted the EFCC on March 1, by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

A statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said: “The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris, authorised the anti-graft agency to seize 11 choice properties traced to the former governor.

“The properties are spread over Benin, Lagos, Abuja and London .The exercise which began in Abuja today March 8, 2011 is expected to cover those in other cities in the coming days.

“The EFCC team comprising operatives from the Assets Forfeiture Unit of the Commission, met with occupants of the two properties located in the Asokoro and Maitama districts of Abuja.

“At the Asokoro mansion, Mr. Joshua Abongeriouyi and Felix Bassey, who identified themselves as cook and security man to the ex-governor confirmed that the property is owned by the former governor.

“The two aides along with a young lady who refused to identify herself but simply said she was a cousin to the ex-governor however refused to receive the court order from the EFCC team.

“At the Danube Street property in Maitama, the only occupant who refused to reveal his name told the EFCC team that he did not know the owner of the property.

Justice Idris, had, after considering an ex-parte application by a counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, granted the forfeiture order which now authorises the EFCC to seize the properties.

“Igbinedion and six others are facing a 66-count charge bordering on money laundering and mismanagement of public funds amounting to about N3.2billion.The other accused are Patrick Eboigbodin; Michael Igbinedion and four firms: Gava Corporation Limited; Romrig Nigeria Limited, PML Securities Limited and PML( Nigeria) Limited.

“ In line with the forfeiture order, the seized assets are: a block of four flats at No 43 Etete Road, Benin City; a property housing Chicken Republic along Sapele Road, Benin City; a property at No 3 Boundary Road, Benin City; a building at No 20B Estate Road, Benin City; a building along Ugbor Police Station Road, Benin City; a mansion at Asokoro, Abuja; a mighty house at neighbourhood of Etete and Ugbor , Benin City; Sheraton Hotel at Government House Road, Benin City; a property at No 55C Adebisi Omotola Close, off Samuel Adedoyin Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, a property at No 5 Danube Crescent ,Maitama ,Abuja and a house at No 29, Sheldon Avenue, Highgate, London. “

are they sealing off ostrich too ? ?