A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of US $49,700 that was recovered from Dr Nura Ali, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Sokoto State. (Vanguard News)
Case Background
The recovery of the sum occurred during a search operation at Dr Ali’s residence in Kano State, carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), based on intelligence reports alleging bribery. (Vanguard News)
According to court filings, the applicant (the Federal Republic of Nigeria through ICPC/DSS) argued that the sum was “bribe money received by Dr Ali when he was INEC’s REC for Sokoto State” and that INEC staff are not paid in US dollars, making the funds inconsistent with his known earnings. (Vanguard News)
The matter is captured in Motion No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1846/2024, filed 24 December 2024. Previously, the court had ordered the temporary forfeiture of the funds pending the conclusion of investigations. (allAfrica.com)
Court’s Ruling
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application by the ICPC, finding it meritorious and ordering the permanent forfeiture of the US $49,700 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. (Vanguard News)
The court noted that no interested persons had come forward since the publication of a notice seeking anyone with a proprietary interest to show cause why the funds should not be forfeited. (Vanguard News)
Sources
