EFCC confiscates ex-FCT Minister’s, son’s 10 choice properties

Following orders by courts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has temporarily confiscated 10 choice properties belonging to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Bala Mohammed and his son, Shamsudeen.

The anti-graft agency is alleging that the affected properties were purchased with stolen public funds.

The properties are three plots of land at different stages of development located at No. 54 Mike Akhigbe Way, Jabi, Abuja; Plot 2276 Sunrise Estate, Asokoro, Abuja and Plot 1804 Damaturu Crescent, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Garki 11, Abuja; Nos. 1 and 3, Marian Street, Asokoro, Abuja and a twin plaza at Wuse Zone 3 by Tamarak Guest Inn, Abuja.

The rest are located at No. 7 Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja; an estate and plaza at Dawaki, opposite Gwarinpa, Abuja; an Estate at Jahi District, Abuja; three number duplex Abuja Investment Company Limited Estate, Abuja and a shop at Dubai Market, Kaura District, Abuja.

While making this disclosure, the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said on Saturday: “The seizure of the first three properties is on the strength of an interim forfeiture order by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja which temporarily forfeited the properties to the federal government pending the conclusion of investigation and determination of criminal charges against the suspect.

“The court also gives the Commission power to appoint competent persons/firm to manage the assets/properties listed.

“The rest properties were confiscated on the strength of the order by Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja which forfeited the assets to the Federal Government pending the conclusion of investigation and determination of the criminal charges against the suspects.”

The EFCC spokesperson went further to say that the court also gave an order forbidding “any disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise of the property/assets.”

Read also: How EFCC recovered N9bn cash from home of ex-NNPC boss, Yakubu (Photos)

The EFCC said to have been deep in its investigation of the ex-minister it was learnt, may arraign him in court to face trial for alleged corruption as soon as possible.

The former minister is also under investigation by the House of Representatives Committee on the FCT for alleged scam in the controversial Centenary City project.

His son Shamsudeen, was arraigned by the EFCC on February 1, 2016, for alleged fraud to the tune of N1, 105,719,005.

The commission also slammed 15 charges on the ex-minister’s son and four other companies. It further alleged that Shamsudeen carried out business transactions worth billions of naira in cash, which is in violation of Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended in 2012).

The ex-minister’s son pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja on February 3, 2017 granted Shamsudeen Bala, bail in the sum of N100million with two sureties who must be private businessmen or public servants of the rank of assistant director and above.

RipplesNigeria ….without borders, without fears

Click here to download the Ripples Nigeria App for latest updates

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now