Lami Victor | KADUNA
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final forfeiture order for all assets of NOK University, Gwasmyen Water Factory, Gwasmyen Event Centre, and Gwasmyen International Hotel in Kaduna State.
This decision follows an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Ekele Iheanacho.
The forfeiture was sought under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and Section 44(2) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Iheanacho presented evidence proving that Anthony Hassan, a former Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Health, used proceeds from unlawful activities to establish NOK University.
The assets forfeited from the university include the Senate building, ICT building, Faculty of Medicine building, Science Deanery building, two academic buildings, a Faculty Hall, and other structures.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of Gwasmyen Water Factory, Gwasmyen Event Centre, and Gwasmyen International Hotel in Kaduna State.
The EFCC’s investigative officer, Adaora Asabe Oragudosi, conducted an investigation into criminal conspiracy, theft, abuse of office and money laundering within the Federal Ministry of Health, linking these properties to the defendant.
In her judgment, Justice Abdulmalik noted that individuals living beyond their means must explain their wealth.
The burden of proof lies with the accused to justify properties that exceed their legitimate earnings. She added that forfeitures are based on the preponderance of evidence.
The court had initially granted an interim forfeiture of these assets on June 1, 2022.
