Court orders final forfeiture of private university built by former civil servant with ‘stolen funds’

The final forfeiture of NOK University and all of its assets has been ordered by a federal high court sitting in Abuja, after it was linked to one Anthony Hassan, a former director of finance and accounts at the federal ministry of health. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that Hassan diverted public funds with which he acquired the identified assets. He reportedly gained access to the funds through the government integrated financial management information system (GIFMIS).

Giving an update on the case on Saturday, June 8, the anti-graft agency stated that it filed an order for final forfeiture of the properties after establishing that Hassan built NOK University using proceeds of unlawful activities traced to him.

Physical assets of the university forfeited include the senate building, ICT building, faculty of medicine building, science deanery building, two academic buildings, a faculty hall and other buildings.

The judge also ordered the interim forfeiture of Gwasmyen water factory, Gwasmyen event centre and Gwasmyen international hotel, all said to be linked to Hassan. The court held that the respondent failed woefully in tilting the scale of evidence in his favour.