A Federal High Court in Kaduna has made a landmark ruling, ordering the interim forfeiture of N1.373 billion to the federal government. This decision comes after allegations that the funds were diverted into the account of Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Justice G. M. Kabara issued the order on February 28, 2025, following an application filed by the Federal Government on February 14, 2025. The court documents reveal that the forfeited amount has been lodged in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovery account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The investigation, which led to the recovery of the funds, focused on financial dealings involving Kaduna State Government officials between 2015 and 2023. Sources indicate that the funds were recovered in the course of investigations into suspected misappropriation by state officials.
As part of the legal proceedings, the court has directed that a notice be published in two national newspapers, inviting interested parties to present reasons why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The Key Details of the Caseare spelled out below:
Case Number: FHC/KD/C5/28/2025
The Defendant in this case is Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited.
Charges: Brought under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022
Next Hearing of the case was scheduled for April 8, 2025.
The court’s decision is a significant step towards combating corruption and ensuring accountability in government.
