Font size: Yusuf Alli 14/11/2010 00:50:00
EFCC Boss

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized 203 posh mansions worth N2trillion from a former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, a high-profile ex-convict, Emmanuel Nwude, 15 ex-governors and some politicians.

It was learnt that the assets which were seized following 46 Forfeiture Court Orders would be managed by professional property managers to generate revenue for the Federal Government.

When contacted, EFCC head of media and publicity Mr. Femi Babafemi said, “I am aware that there is something like that and it is not something unusual, it is part of the work of the commission.”

According to a report by the commission, most of the 15 ex-governors, who served between 1999 and 2007, acquired state-of -the-art mansions at “public expense.” Some of them are already standing trial for alleged misconduct while in office.

Apart from ex- Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion who has been convicted, some ex-governors on trial are Ayodele Fayose; Orji Uzor Kalu; Rashidi Ladoja; Michael Botmang; Chimaroke Nnamani; Boni Haruna; Attahiru Bafarawa; Joshua Dariye; James Ibori;

A highly-placed source in the commission told The Nation that the seized assets were worth about N2trillion at the time of seizure. The source said: “In 2008, when the EFCC chairman, Mrs. Waziri, came on board, the anti-graft commission did not have Assets Forfeiture Unit but she put one in place.

“The unit has a major responsibility to ensure that all assets forfeited to the Federal Government, through the EFCC, are identified and verified.

“Between 2008 and now, the Assets Forfeiture Unit had gone round the country to identify these properties.

“The report submitted by the Unit about two weeks ago to Mrs. Waziri shows that between 2003 and 2010, the EFCC has been able to seize 203 posh mansions (Real Estate) from Politically Exposed Persons, including 15 ex-governors from 46 Forfeiture Court Orders.

“The assets are put at approximately N2trillion. “Since the submission of the report two weeks ago, the EFCC chairman has directed that the unit should go and enforce all the court orders. Letters are now taken round to occupants of these properties at this moment.”

The source added, “Apart from the 46, there are still 16 more forfeiture orders being expected by the commission on high-profile cases being handled.

“The report noted that between 2003 and 2008, prior to the establishment of the Unit, a large number of forfeiture orders obtained by the commission were virtually not enforced.”

According to the source, “Most of the 15 ex-governors have had their assets confiscated under temporary order in line with Sections 26 and 29(a) and (b) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004.

The Act reads in part: “Any property subject to forfeiture under this Act may be seized by the commission in the following circumstances- (a) the seizure is incidental to an arrest or search or (b) in the case of property liable to forfeiture upon process issued by the Court following an application made by the commission in accordance with the prescribed rules.

“Whenever property is seized under any part of the provisions of this Act, the commission may (a) place the property under seal or(b) remove the property to a place designated by the commission.”

The source added: “That is why the EFCC is going to recruit professional property managers that will henceforth manage these assets well to generate revenue for the Federal Government.

“As for those forfeited after judgment, we will later sell them after tidying up the court process. You are aware that properties of a former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun and another high-profile convict, Emmanuel Nwude had been sold.”

“The assets are put at approximately N2trillion. “Since the submission of the report two weeks ago, the EFCC chairman has directed that the unit should go and enforce all the court orders. Letters are now taken round to occupants of these properties at this moment.”

jamace:

Why are the names of the 15 govs not given? Why only Tarfa Balogun and Nwude? EFCC should list the names of the govs and their properties and their locations just like was done about Cecilia Ibru, this will enable everybody know the crook govs and to keep eyes on the property should they revert to the crooks in future.

jamace:

Why are the names of the 15 govs not given? Why only Tarfa Balogun and Nwude? EFCC should list the names of the govs and their properties and their locations just like was done about Cecilia Ibru, this will enable everybody know the crook govs and to keep eyes on the property should they revert to the crooks in future.

jamace:

Why are the names of the 15 govs not given? Why only Tarfa Balogun and Nwude? EFCC should list the names of the govs and their properties and their locations just like was done about Cecilia Ibru, this will enable everybody know the crook govs and to keep eyes on the property should they revert to the crooks in future.

Ileke-IdI:

Who are they?
Lol. Dnt why I find this really funny.