An interim order of forfeiture has been placed on 14 properties in Abuja allegedly traced to former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Bala Mohammed and his son Shamsudeen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
This order was granted yesterday at the Federal High Court in Abuja by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba following an ex parte application by the EFCC.
The EFCC said, “preliminary investigation has revealed that the properties listed on the schedule are unlawfully acquired through corrupt practices by the former minister and his son while in office as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”
The properties to be forfeit include:
- 1 mansion located at Sunrise Estate, Asokoro, Abuja.
- 3 sets of four-bedroomed semi-detached duplex at Green Acres Estate, Apo-Dutse, Abuja.
- 2 sets of four-bedroomed fully detached duplexes each with a boys’ quarters on Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja.
- 1 four-bedroomed detached duplex with boys’ quarter located at 9 Platinum Luxury Home, White Estate, Asokoro, Abuja
The remaining properties to be forfeited include plots of land scattered within choice locations at Abuja.
The EFCC in its ex parte application noted that the former Minister and his son have said they have no links to the properties but it was reasonably sure that the properties belong to them.
According to the EFCC, the properties are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and crimes, kept and concealed in the names and proxies and nominees of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohmmed, and his son, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed”
