Breaking News: Federal High Court-Orders Final Forfeiture Of Abdulrasheed-Maina’s Properties (View-Details)

Breaking News: Federal High Court-Orders Final Forfeiture Of Abdulrasheed-Maina’s Properties (View-Details)

In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled to permanently forfeit 20 properties scattered across different states in Nigeria, which were linked to Abdulrasheed Maina, the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team currently serving a jail term. The ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Thursday, marks a decisive step in the legal proceedings initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Abdulmalik affirmed that the EFCC successfully established that the properties were acquired using proceeds of crime. Despite claims from Maina’s wife, Laila, and several associates asserting ownership of some of the properties, the court found their evidence insufficient and lacking credibility.

According to the judgment, the court emphasized the legal principle that in cases of non-conviction forfeiture, the burden of proof rests on the claimants to substantiate their ownership claims with clear and convincing documentary evidence. Justice Abdulmalik concluded that the claimants failed to provide adequate documentation tracing the legitimate sources of their finances and the acquisition history of the properties in question.

In her statement, Justice Abdulmalik stated: “I hereby find merit in the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture of properties Nos: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23 set out in schedule one, attached to the order of interim forfeiture, save properties No: 3, 14 and 20. I so order.”

The properties affected by this judgment are situated in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Kano States, and include various residential and commercial assets. Among them are duplexes, farms, residential buildings, and undeveloped lands, each now subject to permanent forfeiture barring further legal challenges.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to combatting corruption and ensuring accountability in public office. It represents a significant milestone in the efforts to recover illicitly acquired assets, reinforcing the rule of law and promoting transparency in Nigeria’s legal system.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as legal proceedings continue to unfold.