From Debra Ajulo, Ilorin
A High Court sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has ordered the final forfeiture of the hotel belonging to a civil servant in the state to the Federal Government.
Also forfeited to the Federal Government is a landed property comprising three bedroom flat, two wings of three bedroom flats and a room and parlour self contained.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Sikiru Oyinloye said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, stressing that the evidence presented before the court was strong and reliable.
The Judge said: “The interim order of this honourable court was published in The Nation Newspaper while the court’s processes were served alongside with the hearing notice to the defendant, but despite this, the defendant did not show up to explain why the said properties should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
“The evidence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was not controverted or challenged by the defendant or any interested parties to the suit, this honourable court is of the opinion that the defendant was fully informed about the proceedings, in view of the forgoing, this honourable court hereby ordered that the said properties be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Earlier, Prosecuting Counsel, Nnemeka Omewa, in moving the motion, dated September 8, 2019, had urged Justice Oyinloye to grant the prayers of the EFCC.
