CONSTITUENCY PROJECT SCAM: Court orders interim forfeiture of N116m

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, ordered the interim forfeiture of N116 million, alleged to be proceeds of crime in relation to the the non-execution of constituency projects awarded to Hamza Barau and Hamshakin Ventures Ltd.

The project were funded by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) on behalf of some federal lawmakers.

The constituency projects involved the provision of Strategic Empowerment Programme in Akko, Gombe State, conduct of Pilot Seasonal Intervention Programme in Vandeikya/Konshisha, Benue State, provision of Strategic Empowerment Programme in Katsina-Ala/Logo/Ukum, Benue State, Intervention Programme for Ailing Enterprises in Vaneikya/Konshisha, Benue State and the supply of motorcycles in Kiyawa, Jigawa State.

The contractor, Hamza Barau and Hamshakin Ventures Ltd allegedly failed to execute any of the projects after receiving payment. The contractor was however issued a certificate of Job Completion by SMEDAN.

According to an investigation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Hamza Barau and Hamshakin Ventures Ltd were able to earn a certificate of job completion by sharing the project funds with the legislators, whom the constituency projects were allotted to.

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The legislators include Hon. Herman Hembe, Hon. Benjamin Aboho, Hon. Udende Emmanuel and Hon. Orker-Jev.

Others are Hon. Abubarkar Mahmud Wambai and Hon. Anthony Madawatte.

The EFCC filed ex-parte motion for an order of interim forfeiture of the sum filed on August 22, 2019 pursuant to Section 44(2) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 17 of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No, 14, 2006.

Prosecution counsel, Ekele E. Iheanacho told the court that the funds sought to be forfeited were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and prayed the court to grant the prayer of the Commission.

While granting the prayers of the EFCC, Justice A.R. Muhammad directed that a publication be made by the Commission in any national newspaper requesting anyone who is interested in the funds sought to be forfeited to show cause within 21 days, why the forfeiture of the fund should not be made in favour of the federal government.

The case was adjourned till November 19, 2019.

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