The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned five individuals—Benjamin Okoye, Moughalu David Arinze, Okey Okeke, Ekene Mgbeokwere, and Eboh Thaddeus—before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for allegedly breaching EFCC forfeiture order.
The defendants face a one-count charge of tampering with a property under interim forfeiture to the Federal Government.
The charge alleges that the defendants, along with a co-accused, Ilongwo Angela (now at large), “without due authorization dealt with the property of Obinna Ezenwaka located at Plot 165C, Block 12, Ajayi Street, Diamond Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.” The alleged offense violates Section 32(1) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel Hannatu U. KofarNaisa informed the court of a witness ready to proceed with the trial.
Counsel for the first to fourth defendants, M.C. Odo, presented pending bail applications and prayed the court to consider them, citing the defendants’ time in custody. Counsel for the fifth defendant, N. Chukwuemeka, referenced an existing bail previously granted to his client.
However, KofarNaisa opposed the motions, stating she had not received the bail applications. The court confirmed the applications were not on record and adjourned the ruling on bail to January 24, 2025.
The EFCC’s first witness, Abubakar Mohammed, an operative responsible for managing forfeited assets, testified that he encountered the defendants during an inspection of the property in July 2024.
According to Mohammed, “The EFCC had obtained an interim forfeiture order on the property, which was marked accordingly.
ALSO READ:APC only party to beat in Nigeria — Kebbi gov
On July 22, 2024, I led a team to inspect the property and informed the defendants of the forfeiture. Although they left after some resistance, they later broke the padlock and resumed living in the property.”
Mohammed identified the interim forfeiture order issued on October 6, 2017, which was admitted as Exhibit A by the court.
He also referenced a final forfeiture notification from the Lagos State High Court regarding the property.
The prosecution sought an adjournment to present additional documents related to the case. Justice Owoeye adjourned the trial to February 14, 2025, for continuation.
