The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today 6 July 2018, has directed the immediate release of two United Kingdom properties belonging to Nigerian Businessman and Aiteo Boss Benedict Peters.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had in 2016 obtained an Interim Forfeiture Order during the investigation of allegations of corruption against the former Petroleum Minister, Mrs Dieziani Alison-Madueke.
By this decision, the court has confirmed Mr. Peters’ case that the properties belonged to him and was not connected to any dealings of the former petroleum minister and were unlawfully included in a list of properties the EFCC tried to seize.
The judge, found that a court of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) being competent and coordinate jurisdiction had, in separate proceedings, made significant findings with respect to Peters’ means of livelihood.
The same court had confirmed Mr.peters’ acquisition of a number of properties in London including the two properties mentioned for Seizure by the EFCC and had declared that those assets were insusceptible to forfeiture under any circumstance.
Justice Nyarko directed that by the findings made, those properties could not continue to be restrained by the interim Forfeiture order tye commission had earlier obtained and directed that the properties be released to Peters with immediately effect.
