A Federal Excessive Court docket has ordered interim seizure of property allegedly linked to former Abia aide Erondu Uchenna over an ongoing EFCC probe right into a N28bn fund diversion. Learn the complete story.
….. EFCC alleges huge public fund diversion throughout previous administration in Abia State
25/4/2025 All Info Newspaper – In a bombshell improvement shaking political corridors in Abia State, the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) has secured a courtroom order for the interim seizure of properties allegedly value N1.2 billion, linked to a former authorities aide, Erondu Uchenna Erondu, over his alleged involvement within the diversion of N28 billion in public funds.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal Excessive Court docket, Abuja, following an ex parte movement introduced by EFCC counsel, Barrister Charles Oni, on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The EFCC informed the courtroom it’s investigating allegations of a posh internet of felony conspiracy, diversion of public funds, and cash laundering that reportedly occurred between 2007 and 2010, when Erondu allegedly served as a private assistant throughout the Abia State Authorities.
Properties Allegedly Acquired with Proceeds of Crime
In accordance with the anti-graft company, three properties allegedly tied to Erondu had been found throughout the investigation:
A 4-bedroom bungalow in Umuahia North, valued at N400 million
A 3-bedroom bungalow in the identical locality, value N300 million
An opulent 5-bedroom mansion in Guzape, Abuja, value N500 million
The entire estimated worth of the alleged properties stands at N1.2 billion.
Court docket Requested to Forfeit Belongings Pending Investigation
Barr. Oni, representing the EFCC, argued that the properties had been allegedly acquired utilizing funds unlawfully withdrawn from Abia State’s treasury throughout the suspect’s time in workplace. The courtroom was urged to publish a forfeiture discover within the Every day Belief newspaper and the EFCC’s official web site, inviting any events to indicate trigger—inside 14 days—why the properties shouldn’t be completely forfeited to the Federal Authorities of Nigeria.
“The EFCC is performing beneath the authority of Part 34 of the EFCC Act, 2004, empowered to hint, seize and forfeit properties suspected to be proceeds of {economic} and {financial} crimes,” Oni acknowledged.
He additional famous that the alleged crimes embody felony conspiracy, abuse of workplace, impersonation, unlawful switch of funds, and large-scale cash laundering.
Choose Grants Interim Order
After reviewing the appliance, Justice Nwite dominated that the EFCC’s request was meritorious and granted the interim seizure order. The courtroom adjourned the matter to Might 26, 2025, for a report on compliance and any contesting claims.
In accordance with the EFCC, the continued probe into the alleged N28 billion diversion was triggered by intelligence reviews and preliminary findings, and the investigation is predicted to proceed for 30 days.
This newest courtroom motion has stirred intense public curiosity in Abia State, elevating contemporary considerations in regards to the legacy of alleged unchecked corruption beneath earlier administrations. Political observers counsel that extra revelations may observe because the EFCC deepens its investigation.
