A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim forfeiture order for N1.37 billion allegedly diverted from the Kaduna State Government. Naija247news gathered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought the order as part of its ongoing investigation into corruption and mismanagement of public funds in the state.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the funds were traced to several bank accounts linked to individuals and companies suspected of being involved in the diversion. The EFCC, in its application, argued that the money was part of proceeds from fraudulent activities, including inflated contracts and unauthorized withdrawals from state accounts.
Naija247news understands that the court’s decision followed an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC, which presented evidence showing suspicious transactions and a lack of proper documentation for the withdrawals. Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who presided over the case, ruled that the funds should be temporarily forfeited to the federal government pending the conclusion of the investigation.
According to Naija247news, the EFCC has intensified its probe into financial mismanagement in Kaduna State, with several high-profile individuals and companies under scrutiny. The commission has vowed to recover all stolen funds and prosecute those responsible.
Naija247news reports that the Kaduna State Government has denied any involvement in the alleged fraud, stating that it has always maintained transparency and accountability in its financial dealings. However, opposition parties have called for a thorough investigation, accusing the state government of complicity in the mismanagement of public resources.
According to Naija247news, the interim forfeiture order has sparked mixed reactions among residents of Kaduna State. While some have praised the EFCC for its efforts to combat corruption, others have expressed concerns about the impact of the scandal on the state’s development projects.
Naija247news gathered that the EFCC has also launched a public awareness campaign to encourage citizens to report cases of corruption and financial misconduct. The commission has assured whistleblowers of protection and anonymity, urging them to come forward with information that could aid its investigations.
As the case unfolds, Naija247news will continue to provide updates on the EFCC’s investigation and the court proceedings. The interim forfeiture order marks a significant step in the fight against corruption, but stakeholders emphasize the need for due process and transparency to ensure justice is served.
