THE FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of properties linked to two former Directors of Finance and Accounts at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Suleiman Bulkwang and Abdullahi Sambo.
The order was issued on Thursday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC, represented by lawyer Martha Babatunde, sought the forfeiture of seven properties suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. These include a one-hectare plot in Lafia, Nasarawa State, linked to Sambo, and four two-bedroom flats in Kubwa, Abuja, tied to Bulkwang.
The case has been adjourned to July 7 for a compliance report.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that Sambo allegedly diverted N742 million from REA funds, which were meant for project supervision and monitoring. According to the commission, Sambo directed staff to disburse over N1.48 billion to various accounts, including those of Bureau de Change operators and his associates, without proper authorization.
Both Bulkwang and Sambo have reportedly expressed willingness to forfeit the properties in question. The EFCC emphasized that this is a non-conviction-based forfeiture proceeding.
Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting some REA staff over the alleged fraud. Bulkwang is also facing a separate money laundering charge before another court.
The REA, responsible for rural electrification projects, has been under scrutiny following the indefinite suspension of its Managing Director, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and three executive directors by President Bola Tinubu in March 2024.
The court has directed the interim forfeiture order to be published in a national newspaper, allowing interested parties to contest the forfeiture within 14 days. (NAN)
