Court announces forfeiture of over N1 billion linked to SSG
Court announces forfeiture of over N1 billion linked to SSG
A Federal High Court in Uyo has ordered the interim forfeiture of over ₦1 billion allegedly linked to the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Professor Grace Umezurike.
This order follows an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Professor Umezurike and an unnamed aide were listed as the first and second respondents in the suit.
The EFCC informed the court that the SSG and her aide are alleged to have diverted funds from the Ebonyi State Government treasury into six different accounts held at United Bank for Africa (UBA).
The commission stated that four of these UBA accounts belong to the SSG, while one account, owned by her aide, received ₦1.014 billion of the diverted funds.
The sixth account was opened under the name “Affordable Multi Services Nigeria Limited.”
These funds were reportedly earmarked by the Ebonyi State Government for the purchase of bags of rice for residents during the 2024 Christmas celebration.
In its ex parte application, the EFCC requested the court to grant an interim forfeiture of the funds for a period of 60 days, pending the final determination of the case.
The commission also sought an order directing the respondents and any other interested parties to show cause why the funds should not be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Additionally, the EFCC asked the court to mandate the SSG and her aide to issue necessary public notices to inform interested persons, pending the case’s resolution.
Justice Onyetenu, in his ruling, granted all the prayers sought by the EFCC, as detailed in the court document.
Reacting to the development, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru stated on Sunday during a church service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki that his administration will not rush to a conclusion regarding the matter.
He said, “I received the news of the publication already before the Federal High Court, Uyo. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise.
“I am a lawyer, and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment to avoid setting wrong precedents.”
Governor Nwifuru also hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle, warning that underperforming officials may be sacked if they fail to meet expectations.
“Our vision, as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs, has not been satisfactorily realised.
“That accounted for the minor reshuffle we did recently. We’re still assessing them (officials) and we shall do the needful if the need arises,” he added.
