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 recovered more than N38.66 billion in cash and assets in an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of funds allocated for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries.

The anti-graft agency is also preparing possible criminal charges against several former and serving officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as well as contractors linked to the refinery rehabilitation projects.

Findings by investigators indicate that the EFCC has so far recovered N9.4 billion, $21.2 million and several landed properties allegedly traced to individuals under investigation. The recovered dollar component is valued at about N29.26 billion using the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official exchange rate.

The probe, described by investigators as one of the largest corruption investigations in Nigeria’s oil sector, centres on the management of approximately $2.79 billion released between 2021 and 2023 for the rehabilitation and turnaround maintenance of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries.

According to the EFCC, the investigation involves allegations of criminal conspiracy, diversion of public funds, abuse of office, money laundering, procurement fraud and economic sabotage. Those under scrutiny include officials of the NNPCL, its subsidiary, the NNPC Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO), former and serving managing directors of the refineries, and major contractors involved in the projects.

Records show that the Federal Government approved about $1.56 billion for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, $740.7 million for the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, and $492.3 million for the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company.

Despite the huge financial outlay, investigators reportedly found little evidence of corresponding improvements in refinery operations, raising concerns that substantial portions of the funds may have been diverted or improperly disbursed.

The EFCC had earlier arrested several senior NNPCL officials in connection with the investigation, including former Chief Financial Officer Umar Isa, Warri Refinery Managing Director Tunde Bakare, and former Port Harcourt Refinery Managing Directors Ahmed Dikko and Ibrahim Onoja.

Investigators have also interrogated more than 30 senior NNPCL officials and over 50 representatives of contracting firms and subcontractors involved in the refinery rehabilitation programme.

As part of the investigation, the commission reviewed procurement records, payment approvals, project execution reports and banking transactions, while also obtaining information from the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks.

Sources familiar with the probe disclosed that investigators uncovered widespread violations of procurement procedures and questionable payment approvals allegedly facilitated by officials at different levels of management.

One of the officials under investigation, former Port Harcourt Refinery Managing Director Ahmed Dikko, is accused of authorising direct payments to contractors from provisional sum funds contrary to contractual provisions. Investigators said assets valued at N983.9 million, $227,030 and three landed properties were traced to him, with an interim forfeiture order already secured.

Similarly, a senior official linked to the Warri Refinery rehabilitation project, Jimoh Yisawu, is alleged to have approved payments to unqualified contractors and authorised inflated invoices and contract mark-ups exceeding $10 million and nearly N8 billion.

The EFCC said it traced more than N1.4 billion and four landed properties to Yisawu, assets investigators claim he could not satisfactorily explain. The properties have also been placed under interim forfeiture pending prosecution.

Sources disclosed that the recovered N9.4 billion and $21.2 million have been lodged in the EFCC’s recovery accounts, while an additional $2.32 million was recovered through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Investigators also revealed a separate alleged revenue fraud case involving $28.39 million and N665 million linked to the management of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, with efforts ongoing to recover the funds.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the EFCC indicating that additional recoveries, arrests and prosecutions are expected as more evidence emerges.

The latest revelations have renewed concerns over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s refinery rehabilitation programme despite the expenditure of billions of dollars over the years.

Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, with a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, have remained largely underperforming for decades despite repeated turnaround maintenance and rehabilitation efforts.

While the Warri Refinery briefly resumed operations in December 2024 before shutting down a month later over safety concerns, the Port Harcourt Refinery was taken offline in May 2025 for scheduled maintenance.

In October 2025, the NNPCL announced a technical and commercial review of the refineries aimed at improving operational efficiency and profitability. The company also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms to support the completion, operation and possible expansion of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the NNPCL and officials named in the investigation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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Proceedings in the alleged N577 million Abuja land fraud case involving two real estate executives were on Wednesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought an adjournment due to the absence of its witness.

The defendants, Chief Executive Officer of Homadil Realty Limited, Dr. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, and Chief Executive Officer of Rychado Homes Limited, Idakwogi Richard John, are standing trial alongside their companies before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The EFCC had arraigned the defendants on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering in connection with disputed land transactions in Cadastral Zone B07, Katampe District, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel, Chiamaka Njoku, informed the court that the prosecution’s witness could not attend proceedings following the death of his mother.

“We prepared the witness for today, but he lost his mother. We are asking for another date,” Njoku told the court.

Counsel to the defendants, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria Christopher Oshomegie and M.A. Ebute, did not oppose the application for adjournment.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until July 24, 2026, for continuation of trial.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants allegedly used forged documents to convince members of the public to purchase plots 1861, 1862 and 1863 in Katampe District despite allegedly lacking valid ownership rights to the properties.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court had earlier granted them bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum pending the determination of the case.

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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.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, of alleged N570 million money laundering charges filed against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, upheld the no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and eight co-defendants, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case after about six years of trial.

‘Case Built on Speculation’

Delivering judgment, the court held that the EFCC’s case lacked substance.

“The case presented by the prosecution has no weight whatsoever,” the judge ruled, describing it as one built on “speculations, suspicions and shoddy investigation.”

Justice Omotosho further stated that the prosecution failed to establish the required predicate offences necessary to prove money laundering.

No Evidence of Illegality

The court held that there was no proof that funds allegedly linked to Oyo-Ita were proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to the judge, evidence before the court showed that contracts tied to the allegations were properly approved and executed.

He also ruled that estacodes, duty tour allowances, and air tickets referenced in the case were duly authorised.

“There is no proof before the court that estacodes or duty allowances were approved and subsequently collected without the corresponding trips being undertaken,” he said.

Weak Documentation, Missing Evidence

Justice Omotosho faulted the prosecution for failing to provide key documents, including travel approvals, official memos, and audit queries to support its claims.

“The prosecution has, in effect, invited the court to engage in speculation,” he added.

He also noted that Oyo-Ita was neither a director nor a shareholder in the companies allegedly linked to the transactions under investigation.

Confessional Statements Rejected

The court rejected confessional statements allegedly obtained from the defendants, ruling that they were not obtained in compliance with legal provisions.

The judge held that the EFCC failed to provide video recordings of the statement-taking process as required by law and consequently expunged the statements from evidence.

Background

Oyo-Ita was arraigned in March 2020 over allegations bordering on fraud involving duty tour allowances, estacodes, and contract kickbacks amounting to about N570 million.

During the trial, the EFCC called eight witnesses and tendered documentary exhibits. However, the defendants maintained that the prosecution failed to establish any ingredient of the offences to warrant them entering a defence.

With the ruling, the court discharged and acquitted all defendants on the 18-count charge, bringing the long-running case to a close.

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday admitted nine documentary exhibits in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

The trial judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, admitted the documents after they were tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission through its fourth prosecution witness.

Malami is standing trial alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy and alleged laundering of N8.7bn.

The anti-graft agency told the court that the offences contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

During proceedings, the prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, informed the court that the documents were obtained following a request from the EFCC.

He explained that the bank provided both electronic and hard copies of account records linked to the defendants and several companies, including Rayhaan Hotels Limited and Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited.

According to the witness, the exhibits consist mainly of account opening documents and transaction statements covering several years of financial activities.

Bata disclosed that one of the accounts recorded total credits of over N383.6m between 2016 and 2023, while earlier transactions between 2012 and 2015 showed inflows exceeding N560.5m.

He further told the court that significant transactions were traced to the accounts, including a N194.7m inflow in November 2020 and multiple deposits amounting to hundreds of millions of naira in 2022.

The witness added that the documents reflected several other transactions running into billions of naira within the period under review.

Defence counsel, J. B. Daudu, initially objected to the admissibility of the documents, citing discrepancies in dates, but the court overruled the objection and admitted them as Exhibits D1 to D9.

Following the testimony, the defence requested more time to review the documents ahead of cross-examination.

Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned the case to May 13, 2026, for continuation of the trial.

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the Aisha Achimugu $13m forfeiture, ordering the final seizure of funds linked to Aisha Achimugu and her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd.

Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved the funds came from unlawful activities.

Court Rejects Claims in Forfeiture Case

Oceangate filed a suit to recover the funds. However, the court rejected its claims, stating that the company failed to provide a credible explanation for the source of the money.

Furthermore, the court dismissed the argument that the funds were gifts. It noted that Achimugu did not appear to defend the origin of the money, while no witness came forward to support the claim.

EFCC Strengthens Case with Evidence

The EFCC presented evidence linking the funds to suspicious financial transactions. As a result, the court held that the agency met all legal requirements to justify the forfeiture.

In addition, the court found that the company could not prove legitimate ownership or show any business activity capable of generating such funds.

Background to the Investigation

The case started in August 2025 when the court granted an interim forfeiture order. Subsequently, it directed the EFCC to publish the notice and invite interested parties to challenge it.

Later, investigators uncovered the company’s involvement in oil block licensing and large payments to the Federal Government.

Disputed Transactions Raise Concerns

The EFCC alleged that part of the funds came from cash transactions outside formal banking channels. Moreover, investigators traced the money to intermediaries and unlicensed operators.

In response, the company insisted the funds came from legitimate earnings and gifts. However, the court rejected the claims due to lack of evidence.

After reviewing all submissions, the court dismissed the company’s case and upheld the final forfeiture of the funds.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to real estate managers and property professionals across Nigeria, cautioning them against facilitating money laundering through property transactions.

The warning was delivered by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during a courtesy visit with executives of the Association of Real Estate and Property Managers (AREAPM) at the Commission’s Benin Zonal Directorate.

Olukoyede, speaking through Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, emphasized the increasing trend of fraudsters channeling illicit funds into real estate as a means of concealing proceeds of crime.

“We have observed with grave concern that criminals are laundering money and hiding the proceeds of crime through property investments. Individuals now defraud the government and private entities before investing in real estate,” he stated.

The EFCC head described real estate managers as Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), underscoring the importance of adhering to anti-money laundering regulations and maintaining professionalism. He warned that any breaches of the law would be met with strict enforcement actions.

Chairman Olukoyede also highlighted the EFCC’s Land and Property Fraud Section, which is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting cases of property-related financial crimes. He assured the association of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate in strengthening transparency, accountability, and investor confidence in the sector.

The Edo State Chairman of AREAPM, Akpesiri Egbonoje, expressed the association’s commitment to sanitizing the real estate sector and stressed the importance of a structured partnership with law enforcement. Egbonoje believes that collaboration with the EFCC will help curb financial crimes, protect investors, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

This warning comes amid growing concerns about the misuse of Nigerian real estate for illicit financial activities. The EFCC has intensified scrutiny of property transactions nationwide, as part of its broader mandate to fight economic and financial crimes.

Real estate professionals and property managers are now urged to conduct due diligence, report suspicious transactions, and comply with all EFCC and regulatory guidelines to avoid legal repercussions.

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The properties, according to findings obtained by TheCable, are spread across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

They include hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories, fuel-related facilities, media assets, and undeveloped lands.

Documents seen indicate that assets located in Kebbi State account for the largest share, with an estimated value of ₦162.19 billion. Properties in Kano State are valued at about ₦16.01 billion, while those in Abuja are estimated at ₦34.68 billion.

The federal government has filed a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering against Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. The charges are said to be contrary to Sections 15, 18, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

Investigators allege that the properties were acquired through proceeds linked to unlawful activities during Malami’s tenure in office. Among the traced assets are several hotels, educational institutions, factories, radio stations, residential estates, and commercial facilities operating under different business names.

The EFCC is expected to pursue forfeiture proceedings as investigations continue, while the defendants are expected to respond to the allegations in court.

Malami served as Nigeria’s attorney-general and minister of justice from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

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The Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned six men before Justice Onah Sergius of the Federal High Court 2, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

The suspects, Emmanuel Edet Okon, Essein Edem Archibong, Edet Sam Udoh (also known as Enobong Clement Etim), Edwin Etim, Anthony Christopher Atauyo, and Imaikop Okon Dickson, face charges linked to alleged land fraud.

The defendants are charged with three counts involving money laundering, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.

One of the counts alleges that in July 2025, using a United Bank for Africa account (1027675758), the suspects unlawfully took possession of ₦5,980,000, knowing it formed part of proceeds from fraud.

The act contravenes Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

All six accused pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmoud, requested the court to schedule a date for witness testimonies to establish the case. Meanwhile, the defence, represented by Peter Ekpo, Nsikak Edet, and Emmanuel Udoi, sought a short date to allow the prosecution to file formal bail applications.

Justice Onah adjourned proceedings to November 24, 2025, for bail hearing and trial and ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Uyo.

The case originated from a petition by Aniekan Etukudo Koffi, who accused the suspects of defrauding him of ₦6 million. Koffi alleged the men sold him a plot of land in Ifa Ikot Ubo, Ifa Ikot Okpon-Etoi, Uyo Local Government Area. After payment, he was unable to access or develop the property, discovering it did not belong to the accused.

This case highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat property-related fraud and money laundering in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria.

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