Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Unclaimed Property in Lagos to FG

By Dansu Peter  Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi has ordered the final forfeiture of a U-shaped two-storey building lo...

By Dansu Peter 

Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi has ordered the final forfeiture of a U-shaped two-storey building located within the premises of Goodwill Private Schools, Ikorodu, Lagos State, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.  

The ruling followed a motion ex-parte filed on January 8, 2025, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Hannatu KofarNaisa.  

Previously, on November 8, 2024, the court had issued an interim forfeiture order, instructing the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper. This was to provide an opportunity for any interested party to contest the forfeiture. The publication was subsequently made in The Punch on December 9, 2024.  

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the EFCC’s counsel argued that the property in question was reasonably suspected to have been acquired using proceeds from unlawful activities. KofarNaisa further noted that no party had come forward to claim ownership or contest the forfeiture.  

After reviewing the submissions, Justice Owoeye granted the motion and ordered the property’s final forfeiture to the Federal Government.  

This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts and ensuring that assets linked to illicit activities are recovered for public benefit.

The Unclaimed Property: