Court Orders Final Forfeiture of ₦3.4bn in NNPC Fraud

On March 31, 2023, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik ruled in favor of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ordering the final forfeiture of ₦3.4 billion and various properties linked to alleged fraudulent activities involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). The properties subject to forfeiture include an incomplete six-bedroom semi-detached duplex in Asokoro District, Abuja, and a two-bedroom flat in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC's lawyer, Martha Babatund, presented the motion for final forfeiture, which was filed on March 17, 2023. The court noted that no cause was shown against the forfeiture, leading to the decision to permanently forfeit the assets to the federal government.

The case involves Salihu Nuhu Jamari, who allegedly maintained significant influence over the management of NNPCL and is implicated in conspiracy, kickbacks, bribery, and money laundering related to three major projects awarded to contractors by NNPCL.