A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of at least 20 properties linked to Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), who was convicted of pension fraud.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully demonstrated that the properties were acquired illegally.
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She stated that the EFCC had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the properties, located across various parts of Nigeria, were bought with proceeds of crime.
Justice Abdulmalik noted that the individuals who responded to an earlier interim forfeiture order failed to establish their ownership of the properties with credible evidence.
The properties, excluding three located at Flat 42C, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Kaduna; Plot 18, Road F, on TPO 462B C of O Kd5469; and Plot of C of O Bo/426 Beacon B5086, B5087, B5105, B5104, B5099 Cadastral Zone B05 Utako, were ordered for forfeiture.
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Maina’s wife, Laila, and several of his relatives and associates, including Uwani Usman, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, Haruna Mu’azu Musa, and Aliyu Abdullahi, had claimed ownership of the 23 properties.
The EFCC had previously obtained an interim forfeiture order for the properties linked to Maina, who is currently serving an eight-year jail term for pension fraud amounting to N2 billion.
Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the EFCC’s lawyer, Farouk Abdullah, that the claimants failed to provide credible evidence of ownership.
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She said, “It is trite in law that civil cases in non-conviction forfeiture are hinged on the preponderance of evidence. The respondents have failed woefully in tilting the scale of evidential weight in their favor.”
Justice Abdulmalik further explained that the claimants failed to provide cogent documentary evidence showing the legitimate earnings that led to the acquisition of the properties.
As a result, she found merit in the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture of the listed properties.
The properties ordered for forfeiture are located in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kano states. They include:
– Plot No: 965 Gwarimpa 1 District, Cadastral Zone: CO2
– Duplex at No: 16 A Katuru Road, Kaduna
– 52B, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Lot 016 (3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow)
– Property at Tola Street, Badarawa, Kaduna (3 bedrooms and undeveloped land)
– Plot Y12, Kano Street, Kawo New Extension, Kaduna
– Duplex at No: 21, 52 Crescent, Kubwa Phase IV estate
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– House 8, 211 Road (3-bedroom bungalow)
– Farm at Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State
– Another farm at Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State
– Plot 3A, Sambo Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O No: KD15452
– Plot MF-27A, New Pasafi Layout, Kuje, Abuja
– Plot 1B Ajayi Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O No: NC24059
– Block 23 Flat 2 located at Life Camp (2-bedroom semi-detached)
– Property at No: 62 A/C Maternity ward, Damaturu Road, Biu
– Plot 3A, Sambo Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O No: KD15452
– Plot covered by C of O B426, beacon B5086, B5087, B5105, B5104, B5099 at Cadastral Zone B05, Utako
– No: 16 Dabai Road, off Mangoro Road, Sokoto State
– No. 13 Korau Road, Nasarawa District, Kano
– Plot 965, Cadastral Zone C02, Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja
