The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of N190,277,634.2 million and $70,811.48, allegedly stolen from a first-generation bank by an employee, Muiz Tijani Adeyinka. Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The judge ruled that the funds be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government and directed that the interim forfeiture order be published in a national newspaper. This publication allows anyone with interest in the money to come forward within 14 days to show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be made.
The EFCC, represented by counsel C. C. Okezie, supported the motion with a 21-paragraph affidavit from EFCC investigator Michael Idoko. After reviewing the application, Justice Aluko found it to have merit and granted the order.
Further hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 9.
