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.

The post Court Orders Permanent Forfeiture of Saleh Mamman’s Property, Seizes Four Others appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following a court order for him to begin serving a 75-year prison sentence over money laundering charges.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, issued the directive on Tuesday after Mamman was brought before the court by the EFCC.

In a statement posted on its X handle, the EFCC confirmed the development and also disclosed that the court heard a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to the former minister.

Conviction and Sentence

Mamman was convicted on May 7 on all 16 counts of an amended charge bordering on money laundering involving more than ₦33.8 billion.

He was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a total of 75 years imprisonment.

The case involved allegations of illicit acquisition of properties and diversion of funds linked to major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric schemes.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

The EFCC had declared that Mamman fled Abuja for Kaduna after his conviction before he was eventually arrested on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside a relative.

During proceedings, a witness identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, described as the former minister’s relative, told the court that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after the judgment.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentence took effect immediately after judgment, stressing that the former minister’s prison term had commenced.

Forfeiture of Properties Sought

The EFCC is also pursuing forfeiture of five properties allegedly linked to Mamman in Abuja and Kaduna.

They include luxury apartments, mansions in Wuse 2, Abuja, and a commercial property in the same district.

The anti-graft agency said the move forms part of efforts to recover assets linked to proceeds of crime.

Case Adjourned

The court adjourned hearing on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow Mamman respond to the case.

Justice Omotosho also directed that the former minister be properly served and allowed to engage legal representation of his choice.

The post Nigeria Power Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman Begins 75-Year Sentence in Kuje Correctional Centre appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The trial of former Godwin Emefiele continued on Tuesday as a prosecution witness told the court that suspects linked to the case confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank.

Testifying before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, a Commissioner of Police, Eloho Okpoziakpo, said investigations revealed that the funds were illegally withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Witness Details Investigation

Okpoziakpo, who appeared as the 14th prosecution witness, told the court he was part of a special investigative team led by Jim Obaze, appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the team was responsible for interrogating suspects, gathering intelligence, and reviewing documents linked to the alleged fraud.

He stated that some individuals involved in the transaction admitted during questioning that the money was unlawfully withdrawn.

“Investigation revealed that the money was fraudulently taken because some of the suspects confessed,” he told the court.

Controversial Withdrawal Linked to Election Observers

The witness explained that the $6.23 million was reportedly requested for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.

However, he said the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied making such a request when contacted by investigators.

He added that documents used to process the withdrawal included a request memo and a letter conveying what was presented as presidential approval under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Charges Against Emefiele

Emefiele is facing a 20-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges include:

• Criminal breach of trust
• Forgery
• Abuse of office
• Conspiracy
• Obtaining money by false pretence
• The alleged offences involve $6.23 million.

The EFCC also accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two companies — April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Key Evidence Presented

The witness told the court that several documents were recovered from the CBN Abuja branch where the funds were withdrawn.

He identified exhibits detailing:

• The disbursement of the funds in $100 denominations
• Internal approval memos authorising payment
• Correspondence linked to the request
• Court Adjourns Proceedings

Presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the case to July 2, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The court had earlier issued a subpoena directing both the witness and lead investigator to testify and present evidence relating to the case, including materials connected to the naira redesign policy.

The post Emefiele Trial: Witness Tells Court Suspects Confessed to $6.23m Fraud appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted in connection with an alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257.

The EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the funds were provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.

The public notice reads: “Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, is wanted by the EFCC over alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257, part of funds injected by NCDMB into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for refinery construction.”

Sylva, 61, hails from Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The notice follows a Lagos State High Court warrant issued on November 6, 2025.

The EFCC urged anyone with information on Sylva’s whereabouts to contact its offices across the country, nearest police stations, or via 08093322644 or info@efcc.gov.ng.

Details on developments in the case will follow.

The post EFCC Declares Former Minister Timipre Sylva Wanted Over $14.8 Million Fraud Allegation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has raised concerns over what it described as widespread corruption within Nigeria’s housing and financial sectors, warning that the menace is crippling the country’s mortgage system and making homeownership increasingly difficult for citizens.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos as part of the Institute’s golden jubilee celebration, NIQS General Secretary, Azeez Ayodabo, urged the Federal Government to review existing mortgage policies to make access more flexible and income-based.

“The government should adjust mortgage thresholds according to income categories. It’s unrealistic to advertise a three-bedroom maisonette for a level six or seven civil servant. Housing schemes should be structured in categories—bungalows, flats, terraces, and duplexes—to match citizens’ earnings,” Ayodabo said.

He lamented that corruption and lack of transparency have weakened the system. According to him, many developers who accessed government loans between 2006 and 2009 failed to deliver affordable homes despite receiving public funds.

“Corruption has eroded the mortgage system. Some exploited connections to access loans meant for the public and diverted funds, forcing the government to take direct control of the process,” he added.

Ayodabo also stressed the vital role of quantity surveyors in ensuring cost efficiency and project integrity.

“Quantity surveyors should be involved throughout projects, not just in preparing the Bill of Quantities. Their oversight prevents cost overruns, material substitution, and poor workmanship,” he explained.

Lagos Chapter Chairman, Rilwan Balogun, called for broader inclusion of quantity surveyors in national infrastructure projects, noting that their expertise is critical to transparency and value for money.

“Engaging QS consortiums early in projects like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could have prevented inflated costs and opacity,” he stated.

Balogun added that government should mandate the submission of properly prepared Bills of Quantities for all building approvals to reduce cases of abandoned and substandard projects.

Also speaking, NIQS Deputy Chairman, Femi Falusi, highlighted the encroachment of non-professionals into the QS field due to technology misuse.

He called for policies that make it mandatory for all cost estimates and Bills of Quantities to be prepared and stamped by registered quantity surveyors, adding that the Institute continues to encourage members to embrace digital tools and innovation to remain competitive.

The post Corruption Eroding Nigeria’s Mortgage System, NIQS Warns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A Lagos-based lawyer, Victor Azubike Awah, has been arraigned before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, over an alleged ₦27 million land fraud.

Awah, who appeared in court on Wednesday, was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his firm, Sparkan Ives Limited, on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, using forged documents, and issuing a dud cheque.

According to the EFCC, the alleged offences were committed between October 2024 and February 2025 in Lagos. The anti-graft agency accused Awah of obtaining ₦27 million from Mrs. Onwuekwe Chioma Genevieve under the guise of selling a plot of land purportedly available for purchase.

The prosecution alleged that the transaction was fraudulent, stating that Awah acted with intent to deceive the buyer. His actions, the EFCC said, contravened Section 1(1) and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

When the charges were read, Awah pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Prosecution counsel, Mr. A. M. Dambuwa, requested the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.

Awah, who appeared without legal representation, informed the court that he had already filed a bail application on his own behalf.

Justice O. A. Okunuga adjourned the matter to December 17 and 18, 2025, for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial. The judge ordered that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody until the next hearing.

The post Lawyer Pleads Not Guilty to ₦27m Land Fraud, Represents Self in Court appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), says corruption in Nigeria goes beyond stealing public funds, describing it as any act that deviates from due process or the rule of law.

Speaking in Abuja at the 2025 National Summit of the Association of Chairmen of Local Government Service Commissions, Aliyu represented by his aide, Zainab Nass said corruption exists in every part of society, not just government.

“Corruption is not just about stealing money; it is anything that deviates from the rule. It is corruption not to follow due process,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to uphold integrity and accountability, warning that misconduct such as financial mismanagement, falsified records, and abuse of office now attracts serious legal consequences.

Aliyu recalled that earlier campaigns like the Ethical Revolution and MAMSER failed due to weak enforcement, but said the ICPC has since strengthened anti-corruption efforts through enforcement, prevention, and education.

He also praised the 2024 Supreme Court ruling restoring elected local councils, calling it “a new dawn for grassroots governance.”

“We are now in the era of asset recovery  taking back what was taken,” he said, urging local officials to ensure public funds truly serve the people.

The post Corruption Is More Than Stealing Money- ICPC Chairman appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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.

The post Ex-FCT Director Jailed 24 Years for ₦318m Fraud appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A UK property tribunal has dismissed rival claims over a London house in a case involving alleged forgery, fake death claims, and false identities.

The dispute centred on 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, with “Ms Tali Shani” challenging senior advocate Mike Ozekhome, who claimed he received the property as a “gift” from “Mr Tali Shani” in 2021 for past legal services.

The tribunal, led by Judge Ewan Paton, ruled neither party could prove ownership, naming the late Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni — former FCT minister and Bendel state governor — as the true owner.

The hearings featured accusations of conspiracy and impersonation, including forged medical and death records allegedly proving Ms Shani’s demise. A witness even claimed Ms Shani had financed the property purchase through a long affair with Useni in the 1990s.

The case, which began in 2023, has now been closed, but its revelations have stirred public interest over fraud in overseas property disputes.

The post UK Tribunal Unmasks Web of Forgery in Useni Property Case appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

When Nigeria inherited its civil service from the British, it was designed as the backbone of governance efficient, accountable, and stable enough to guarantee smooth administration regardless of political change. Decades later, that noble vision has been consumed by a culture of graft so entrenched that the very institution meant to protect the state has instead become one of its biggest liabilities.

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, recently drew attention to a sobering reality: the depth of corruption in Nigeria’s public life cannot be understood without looking at the civil service. According to him, career civil servants, not just politicians, are responsible for the largest volume of stolen funds.

“Political appointees come and go,” he remarked, “but these civil servants remain embedded, powerful, and indispensable to almost every corrupt deal.” In effect, the system’s continuity has become a weapon used to shield theft, frustrate reforms, and outlast political administrations.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has, over the years, uncovered procurement frauds, frozen suspicious bank accounts, and secured convictions against officials who manipulated contracts for personal enrichment. In Abuja, entire neighborhoods testify to this rot: mansions and estates quietly owned by directors, permanent secretaries, and procurement officers whose official salaries could never fund such wealth.

The schemes are depressingly familiar contract inflation, forged procurement papers, bribery demands for basic services, ghost workers, and pensions siphoned off through fictitious names. Each tactic bleeds public resources meant for hospitals, schools, and infrastructure, leaving ordinary citizens trapped in underdevelopment.

Nigeria has not ignored the crisis. From President Obasanjo’s reform drive in the early 2000s introducing downsizing, monetisation of benefits, and creating agencies like the ICPC and EFCC to the passage of the Public Procurement Act in 2007, governments have repeatedly tried to clean the system. Yet, the results remain cosmetic.

The problem is not merely the law but the will to enforce it. Politicians often rely on the same bureaucrats to execute shady deals, and so genuine reform threatens entrenched interests on both sides. The result is paralysis where corruption is acknowledged but rarely punished with finality.

The consequences extend far beyond missing billions. When salaries are stolen, hospitals collapse; when pensions vanish, old age becomes a nightmare; when school projects are inflated, classrooms never appear. Corruption in the civil service is not an abstract crime it is the silent destruction of the Nigerian state’s capacity to serve its people.

While some argue that poor pay and inadequate pensions encourage corruption, such excuses collapse under scrutiny. No remuneration can justify the scale of theft that cripples an entire nation’s development.

The reality is stark: anti-corruption agencies are overwhelmed, often facing defendants who use their influence to hire the best lawyers, intimidate witnesses, or delay trials endlessly. Without political courage and collective public pressure, corruption within the civil service will remain the elephant in the room untouched and untouchable.

What Nigeria requires is an emergency national campaign one that goes beyond surface reforms and builds an unyielding culture of accountability. Civil servants must be reminded that their calling is service, not self-enrichment. Until that happens, the dream of national progress will remain hostage to a bureaucracy designed to serve itself first.

Source: DailyTrust

The post Nigeria’s Civil Service: From Engine of Development to Epicenter of Corruption appeared first on Housing TV Africa.