Court orders final forfeiture of ₦3.44bn linked to ex-NNPC official

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the final forfeiture of N3.44bn and three properties linked to a former official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Salihu Jamari, to the Federal Government.

Justice J. O. Abdulmalik granted the order after upholding an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The assets forfeited include an uncompleted six-bedroom semi-detached duplex with boys’ quarters at Plot 3168, Asokoro District, Abuja; a two-bedroom flat at Osborne II, Ikoyi, Lagos; and a restaurant located at Plot 102, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

The anti-graft agency had approached the court through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), seeking a final forfeiture order following an earlier interim forfeiture granted on February 25, 2026.

The court had, in the interim order, directed that the decision be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested party to appear and show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.

At the resumed hearing, the EFCC informed the court that no application was filed by any individual or entity to contest the interim forfeiture.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently held that the commission’s application was meritorious and ordered the final forfeiture of the funds and properties.

The EFCC said the N3.44bn formed part of proceeds linked to an alleged scheme involving conspiracy, kickbacks, bribery and money laundering within the corporation.

According to the commission, investigations were triggered by a petition dated April 28, 2025, in which Jamari was accused of abusing his position while serving as Managing Director of NNPC Gas and Power Investment Company Limited.

The agency alleged that Jamari used his influence through private firms, including Cumulus Energy Limited and Pius and Phillips Petroleum Limited, where he is a director and signatory, to receive kickbacks from contractors awarded major projects by the corporation.

It added that findings from its investigation established a link between the funds, the properties and the alleged illicit transactions.

With the ruling, the assets are to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.(punch)