Date: April 2, 2026 l Reporter: Musa Muhammad
A Federal High Court in Abuja Nigeria has ordered the final forfeiture of ₦3.44 billion and three high-value properties linked to a former official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), marking a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
The ruling was delivered by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik on Tuesday, following an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought permanent seizure of the assets believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
According to the EFCC, the funds and properties were traced to the former NNPC official, identified as Jamari, and were allegedly acquired through illicit means. The agency had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order before proceeding to request a final forfeiture after investigations were completed.
The assets forfeited include ₦3.44 billion in cash as well as three properties located in prime areas, although specific details of the properties were not fully disclosed in the report.
The court granted the final forfeiture after determining that no valid claims were made to contest the ownership of the funds and properties, thereby allowing the Nigerian government to permanently take possession of the assets.
The EFCC described the judgment as a major success in its ongoing campaign against corruption and financial crimes, emphasizing its commitment to recovering stolen public funds and holding individuals accountable.
The ruling adds to a growing number of asset recovery cases pursued by the anti-graft agency, as authorities intensify efforts to curb corruption within key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including the oil and gas industry.
Observers say the case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions, particularly in sectors that manage significant national resources.
With the final forfeiture now confirmed, the seized assets are expected to be transferred to the federal government, reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.