The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of one property and the interim forfeiture of four others linked to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction for corruption and money laundering.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling after granting an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), holding that the anti-graft agency had successfully established that one of the properties was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the property permanently forfeited to the Federal Government is Walijam Apartments, located at No. 43, Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The court also granted an interim forfeiture order on four additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman. They include Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited at No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another property at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza situated on Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the EFCC had proved that Walijam Apartments was purchased with proceeds of crime.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was able to establish that the convict acquired Walijam Apartments with proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge ruled.

The court further directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days, allowing any interested parties to appear before the court and show cause why the remaining four properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Mamman was prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended 12-count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering involving about N33.8 billion.

Justice Omotosho convicted the former minister on all 12 counts on May 7, 2026, before sentencing him to 75 years’ imprisonment on May 13, 2026.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Mamman to refund N22 billion traced to him during the EFCC’s investigation. The court also directed the recovery of several assets identified as proceeds of unlawful activities uncovered during the trial.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intervened in a dispute involving the alleged unauthorised sale of a property belonging to late Cross River State governorship candidate and elder statesman, Chief Wilfred Oden Inah.

The intervention follows petitions from members of the deceased’s family over the alleged sale of the property located at No. 63 Ibom Layout, Calabar, which they insist was not approved by all beneficiaries.

EFCC Invites Eldest Son Over Property Sale

Sources said the EFCC invited the first son of the deceased, Mr. Maurice Inah, to explain the circumstances surrounding the transaction.

He was reportedly questioned over the sale of the property, which was allegedly transferred to Mr. Emmanuel Emele for about ₦100 million.

According to family sources, Maurice was later detained but has since failed to return for further questioning, reportedly citing health challenges as reason for his absence.

Family Dispute Over Alleged Unauthorized Sale

Members of the Inah family have accused Maurice of selling the property without collective consent, insisting that the transaction violated their late father’s wishes regarding the estate.

One of the sons, Mr. Ofem Inah, described the sale as unacceptable, claiming the property was significantly undervalued.

“Our father’s position on the property was clear… it was to remain in the family and was not to be sold,” he said.

He alleged that the property—comprising a block of four flats and surrounding land—was valued between ₦300 million and ₦400 million, making the reported sale price questionable.

‘We Want Justice’ — Family Demands Reversal

Another sibling, Mrs. Mildred Ikheloa (née Inah), called for justice, insisting that their father’s wishes must be respected.

She demanded the reversal of the transaction and refund of the buyer’s payment, stating that due process was not followed.

“The money paid should be refunded to the buyer, and the property returned to the family,” she said.

EFCC Yet to Issue Official Statement

When contacted, Mr. Maurice Inah neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, describing the matter as a family issue and promising to provide clarification later.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as investigations continue.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested an Abuja-based property agent, Hajia Adama Adamu, over an alleged ₦288 million real estate fraud.

The anti-graft agency disclosed the arrest in a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, noting that the suspect was apprehended by operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate following a formal petition.

According to the commission, Adamu allegedly collected the sum from a complainant, Alhaji Tanko Yawale, under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property located in the highbrow Asokoro district of Abuja.

The EFCC explained that the transaction involved a property situated at House 31, Haile Selassie Street, but the suspect reportedly failed to provide valid ownership documents after receiving payment.

Investigators said the agent subsequently became evasive, raising suspicion and prompting the victim to file a petition with the commission.

“The suspect allegedly failed to provide the complainant with valid documents and became unreachable after receiving the funds,” the agency stated.

Rising Property Fraud Concerns

The case highlights the persistent issue of property-related fraud in Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly in major urban centres like Abuja.

Real estate scams involving fake agents and undocumented properties have continued to target unsuspecting buyers, often leading to significant financial losses.

The EFCC noted that it has intensified enforcement actions against such fraudulent practices in recent months, as part of broader efforts to sanitise the housing market.

EFCC Advisory to Nigerians

The commission advised prospective property buyers to exercise due diligence by verifying land titles, ownership records, and transaction documentation before making payments.

Authorities emphasised that engaging licensed professionals and conducting independent verification remain critical safeguards against fraud.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in real estate scams across the country.

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The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has unveiled a new global fraud control framework aimed at tackling rising financial crimes across the country’s public and private sectors.

The Director-General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, announced the adoption and promotion of ISO 37003:2025 — an international standard on Fraud Control Management Systems — at a Stakeholder Engagement Forum held in Lagos.

According to Okeke, the new standard provides organisations with a structured management systems approach to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud risks. He explained that ISO 37003:2025 moves beyond traditional compliance models by embedding fraud prevention mechanisms into governance, operational processes, and risk management frameworks.

“Fraud undermines trust, weakens institutions, and threatens sustainable development,” Okeke said. “ISO 37003 offers a practical and scalable framework that enables organisations to strengthen internal controls and build resilience against financial crimes.”

Fraud Cases Surge 350%

Chairman of the SON National Technical Committee on Governance of Organisations, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, disclosed that reported fraud cases increased by 350 percent between 2022 and 2024. He said the alarming rise highlights the urgent need for proactive and structured fraud risk management systems.

Osunbor noted that ISO 37003 equips organisations with tools to systematically identify fraud risks, establish preventive controls, implement reporting mechanisms, and promote continuous improvement.

He added that the standard aligns with global best practices and complements existing regulatory and anti-corruption frameworks. By institutionalising fraud risk management, organisations can shift from reactive responses to preventive strategies.

Broad Sector Applicability

SON stated that the fraud control standard is applicable to organisations of all sizes and sectors. This includes government agencies, private corporations, small and medium enterprises, and non-profit entities.

Adoption of ISO 37003:2025, according to the agency, is designed to be proportionate to each organisation’s size, structure, and risk profile.

The stakeholder forum brought together representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the British Standards Institution.

Participants discussed practical implementation strategies, institutional capacity building, and the need for wider adoption across industries.

Strengthening Transparency and Governance

SON emphasised that promoting ISO 37003 forms part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The agency said encouraging organisations to adopt internationally recognised management system standards would strengthen public trust and improve the country’s overall risk management culture.

As financial crimes continue to evolve, SON maintains that structured fraud control systems are essential for safeguarding economic stability and reinforcing institutional integrity.

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The United States has issued a stern warning to Nigerian public officials, announcing that individuals involved in corruption, electoral malpractice, and anti-democratic practices will be denied American visas.

The move reinforces Washington’s commitment to promoting democracy, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Zero-Tolerance Stand on Corruption

According to the US Mission in Abuja, theare part of a broader strategy to support Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Officials who undermine the electoral process, engage in financial crimes, vote buying, or abuse their offices will face direct consequences.

“The United States stands firmly with the Nigerian people in their demand for transparency, accountability, and good governance. We will not allow those who undermine democracy or engage in corruption to freely enjoy privileges of travel or residency in the United States,” the Mission stated.

Practical and Reputational Impact

Visa restrictions target what many see as an escape route for Nigeria’s elite—sending family abroad, investing in foreign assets, and seeking medical treatment or education overseas while failing to deliver quality governance at home.

Affected officials face:

• Significant inconvenience due to restricted travel
• Damage to international credibility and political careers
• Pressure to prioritize domestic accountability and service delivery

Complementing Local Anti-Corruption Efforts

The US visa ban complements Nigeria’s internal efforts by agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Although these bodies face criticism for selective prosecutions, the international sanction adds a layer of accountability.

Several countries, including the UK, have also imposed sanctions on corrupt officials, highlighting corruption as a transnational issue rather than a purely domestic problem.

Reactions and Implications

Civil society groups have welcomed the announcement as a strong statement against corruption. Youth activists argue that such sanctions are necessary to check politicians who often act with impunity. Some political elites expressed concerns over sovereignty, but many acknowledged the policy as a wake-up call for reform.

Analysts say the policy may serve as a deterrent ahead of future elections, sending a clear message that global observers are monitoring governance in Nigeria.

A Moral and Political Statement

Beyond travel restrictions, the US visa ban represents a moral and political stance against corruption, signaling that mismanagement of public resources and abuse of office carries international consequences. It reinforces that corruption not only weakens Nigeria internally but also damages its global reputation.

Whether the policy will spur lasting reform remains to be seen, but it underscores that the international community is closely watching Nigeria’s political elite.

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, says no contractor has paid any bribe to secure government projects since he took office last year.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at Government House, Benin City, the governor warned that any contractor failing to meet standards would be sacked.

“My mission is to serve Edo people selflessly. Edo’s resources are for the people, not for compromise or favouritism,” Okpebholo said. He reiterated his zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stressing that he personally monitors projects and revokes non-performing contracts.

The governor urged political parties to work together for Edo’s progress, noting, “I am not the governor of APC; I am the governor of all Edo people.” He reaffirmed his commitment to the SHINE Agenda, focusing on security, health, infrastructure, nutrition, agriculture, and education.

PRP Chairman Greg Igbinomwanhia praised Okpebholo for the Ramat Park Flyover and the regularization of 5,000 teachers, describing the flyover as “a bridge of hope.”

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mr. Garuba Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, to 24 years in prison for the fraudulent diversion of ₦318 million in public funds.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Wednesday, convicting Duku on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

According to the ICPC, Duku diverted the funds between 2012 and 2013 into his personal Fidelity Bank account in multiple instalments, later transferring the money through Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized use.

The court dismissed Duku’s claim that the funds were handed to superiors due to lack of evidence. Justice Omotosho held that the ICPC had “proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” and described its evidence as “credible, consistent, and sufficient.”

Duku was sentenced to four years on each count, to run concurrently, or a fine totaling approximately ₦1.6 billion.

Reacting to the verdict, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said the judgment “underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that public officers who betray the trust reposed in them are brought to justice.”

“No one entrusted with public funds is above the law,” he added.

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