The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully obtained a court order for the final forfeiture of two properties linked to Aminu Sidi Garunbabba, a senior staff member of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The properties, located in Abuja and Kano, will be permanently seized by the Federal Government following a ruling issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
The forfeited assets include a four-bedroom terrace house with a boys’ quarter situated in Barumark Groove Estate, Wuye District, Abuja, and another property located at No. 5 Lodge Road, Kano State.
The decision follows an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC on March 16, 2022, under Section 44(2) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, No. 14, 2006. Earlier, an interim forfeiture order was issued on February 16, 2022, with a public notice allowing any interested party to challenge the forfeiture.
During Thursday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, urged the court to grant final forfeiture, arguing that the properties were likely acquired with proceeds from illicit activities. In response, the defense raised an objection, contending that public officers cannot be prosecuted while administrative disciplinary actions are still pending.
However, Justice Egwuatu rejected the objection, affirming that the standard for forfeiture was based on reasonable suspicion rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt, as is required in criminal cases. The judge emphasized that civil and criminal proceedings could run concurrently without interfering with each other.
“Given that the respondent failed to provide legitimate sources for the funds used to acquire the properties, the final forfeiture order is granted,” Justice Egwuatu ruled.
The ruling is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and illicit enrichment within Nigeria’s public service.
