By Our Reporter
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of $49,700 recovered from a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Sokoto State, Dr. Nura Ali. The money was allegedly offered to Dr. Ali as a bribe during his tenure with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the general elections in Sokoto.
The funds were recovered from Dr. Ali’s residence by security operatives and were initially held under an interim order granted to the Federal Government. Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, ruled in favour of the forfeiture following an application by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC, represented by Mr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that after publishing notice for any interested party to claim the funds, no one came forward. “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. Consequently, the application is granted,” Justice Nwite said in his ruling.
The funds, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, were previously deposited in an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) following an ex-parte application by the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS) on December 30, 2024. The Federal Republic of Nigeria was listed as the applicant, while Dr. Ali was the sole respondent in the motion.