Justice Nwite rules that the funds recovered from ex-REC Nura Ali were proceeds of unlawful activity following ICPC investigation…..
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of $49,700 recovered from a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State, Nura Ali, during the 2023 general elections.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday following a motion filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed the court that the commission had fully complied with an earlier interim forfeiture order and published notices inviting any interested party to claim the funds. However, he said no individual or entity came forward to contest the forfeiture or establish ownership of the money.
“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel to the applicant and I have also gone through the affidavit evidence. I am of the view that the application is meritorious,” Justice Nwite ruled.
“Consequently, the application is granted.”
Background of the Case
Justice Nwite had on December 30, 2024, granted an interim order of forfeiture after the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS) jointly filed a motion ex parte seeking to preserve the seized funds pending investigation.
The money was recovered from Ali’s residence in Kano during a DSS search operation, executed under a valid warrant.
The court had directed the agencies to deposit the recovered cash in an escrow account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and publish a public notice inviting claims. The ICPC was also ordered to conduct a preliminary investigation into the source of the funds and report back within 90 days.
ICPC’s Findings
In a supporting affidavit deposed by Iliya Markus, a litigation officer with the ICPC, the commission alleged that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity, noting that INEC does not make payments to its officials in foreign currency.
Markus stated that during interrogation, Ali admitted receiving $150,000 from former Sokoto governors Aminu Tambuwal and Aliyu Wamakko, claiming it was a personal gift.
The affidavit further revealed that Ali had written to the DSS requesting the release of the confiscated money, even though the funds were never declared to any law enforcement agency, contrary to financial regulations.
Final Order
Following the expiration of the interim period and no opposition filed against the ICPC’s application, Justice Nwite ruled that the $49,700 be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The decision marks another milestone in the government’s ongoing effort to enforce accountability and curb corruption within electoral and public service institutions.
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