The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Thursday ordered an interim forfeiture of three properties linked to the Abia House of Assembly member, Erondu Erondu, to the federal government over alleged money laundering to the tune of N28 billion.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, C.O. Onu, moved a motion ex parte to the effect.

The judge ordered that the notice be published on the Daily Trust Newspaper and EFCC website for interested person(s) to show cause within 14 days of the date of publication why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

“I have listened to the submission of the learner counsel for the applicant (EFCC). I have also gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits thereto, along with the written address.

“I am of the view, and I so hold that the application is meritorious. Consequently, the application is granted as prayed,” Justice Nwite said, adjourning the matter until May 26 for a compliance report.

The property includes a four-bedroom bungalow at Plot 6/31, Ukaegbu Layout, Umuahia North LGA, Abia, valued at N409 million, and a three-bedroom bungalow at the same address as above and valued at N300 million.

The other property is a five-bedroom bungalow at Guzape in Abuja valued at N500 million.

Culled PeoplesGazette