By John Ikani
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of about 10 properties and funds in banks allegedly owned by a former Zamfara Governor, Abdulaziz Yari.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order while ruling in an ex-parte application by a lawyer to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha.
The Commission, had through Akponimisingha, prayed the court to allow the Federal Government to temporarily take possession of all the assets.
The judge held that after carefully reading through the ICPC’s motion, exhibits attached and other processes, he was inclined to grant the order of forfeiture.
Justice Egwuatu said the interim order granted would last for 60 days to enable the ICPC to conclude its investigation, following which the commission could apply for final forfeiture.
The judge ordered the ICPC to publicise the order for any person or persons with interest in the affected properties to show cause within 14 days why they should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Thereafter, he adjourned the matter until April 28 to hear the motion for final forfeiture.
Some of the properties, according to the ICPC, are located in the highbrow areas of Abuja, Maryland in the United States, Kaduna and Zamfara.
