Nigeria’s ex-Accountant General Otunla, Fadile Lose N775m, Properties to FG

Justice D. U. Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of N775million traced to ex-Accountant General Jonah Otunla and retired Colonel Bello Fadile.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the forfeiture of the money and properties after Okorowo gave the order on Monday.

Also forfeited are some properties: No. 8 Ajayi Crowther Street, Asokoro, Abuja, and Plot 1960 Cadastral Zone A05 Maitama, Abuja.

Others include a hotel under construction at Plot 621, Road 37, Gwarimpa, and a twin 4-bedroom duplex at Plot 736, 7th Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

EFCC counsel Christopher Mshelia moved a motion for the final forfeiture of the assets today,

Mshelia said the assets recovered during the probe of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The N775million was refunded by Otunla and the late Otunba Ade Adelakun in the course of the investigation.

The EFCC secured an interim forfeiture order in July 2020 and published it on August 11, 2022.

Justice Okorowo said the court was satisfied with the evidence and directed that the Federal Government take over the assets.