The Federal High Court In Lagos ordered the final forfeiture of the embattled former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke’s two penthouses valued at $4.760M to the federal Government. The forfeited properties are Penthouse 21, Building 5, Block C, 11th floor (Bella Vista Estate) Banana Island, Ikoyi; and Penthouse 22, Block B (Admiralty Estate), also in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The forfeiture came a few months after the Judge had on December 5, 2017, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the properties after hearing an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Judge said; “I have observed the facts and exhibits attached and I am also mindful that the second, third and fourth respondents have no objections to the application. I, therefore, have no hesitation in ordering a final forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government.”
The commission’s lawyer, Mr ABC Ozioko, told the court that he had a motion on notice for a final forfeiture order in respect of the properties. He added that the interim forfeiture order made last December 5 was advertised in The Nation as ordered by the court.
He also prayed for an order prohibiting the disposal of any mortgage or sale of the properties, and for an order authorising the EFCC to appoint a competent person or firm to manage the properties.
Respondents’ counsel Mr Emmanuel Bassey did not object to the prayers.