EFCC Returns 14 Seized Assets to Enugu State Government

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned 14 seized properties to the Enugu State Government. These assets were initially forfeited to the Federal Government following an investigation into former governor Chimaroke Nnamani, with the properties now handed back to the state.

The Federal High Court in Lagos, on July 7, 2015, had ordered the forfeiture of assets from four companies linked to Nnamani after they pleaded guilty to a 10-count amended charge. The companies involved were Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, and Renaissance University Teaching Hospital.

The forfeited assets included a wide range of properties such as 22 duplexes in Ebeano Under Tunnel Estate, also known as Fidelity Estate, the Renaissance University Teaching Hospital, the Cosmos 105.5 FM Digital Station, and Capital City Automobile Limited. These companies were also found guilty of financial crimes and were ordered to forfeit several other undeveloped properties and plots of land across Enugu, Abakaliki, Aba, Owerri, Onitsha, Awka, and Umuahia.

Following a request by Enugu State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the transfer of these assets back to the state. The formal transfer to Governor Peter Mbah was carried out by EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters. Olukoyede explained that the road to the initial forfeiture dates back to 2007, following a thorough investigation.

The handover of these assets marks a positive step in the fight against corruption and highlights the commitment of the EFCC to ensuring that justice is served and public assets are restored to their rightful owners.