A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of two houses and cars owned by a convicted cyber criminal, Obinwanne George Okeke, also known as Invictus Obi, to the Federal Government.
The order by Justice Peter Lifu was sequel to the granting of an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Invictus Obi had already forfeited N280,555,010, N240,250,904.46 and N40,304,106.19 to the Federal Government
Arguing the motion, EFCC’s lawyer, Chineye Okezie, disclosed that the forfeited items will be used to restitute foreign victims of Invictus Obi’s fraudulent acts through the United States of America Consulate.
According to the lawyer, the two houses were a 5-bedroom Duplex located at Standard Estate, Kabusa, Abuja and another one situated at House 4 Oakville Estate, Kado Kuchi, Abuja, while the vehicles are; a Toyota Corolla with Registration Number: RBC6238N and an unregistered Toyota Corolla Sport.
After listening to Okezie’s submissions, Justice Lifu granted the ex-parte motion.
“I have listened to the submissions of the counsel to the applicant vis-a-vis affidavit filed in support. I hold in my considered view that this application is meritorious and ought to be granted. Consequently, this application is hereby granted as prayed”, the judge held.
Justice Lifu also ordered the EFCC to publish the order in a widely read newspaper in Nigeria within 14 days for any interested party to show cause why the order should not be made permanent.
Further hearing in the matter has been adjourned to November 30.
In an affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by one of its operatives, Usman Abdulhamid, EFCC noted that Invictus Obi had already forfeited N280,555,010, N240,250,904.46 and N40,304,106.19 to the Federal Government
It was added that upon further investigation, two more property and two vehicles parked in Invictus Obi’s residence were traced out.
“This matter is of very urgent public interest and concern as it directly tarnishes the image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nigeria among the comity of nations.
“The property sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria by the applicant were not procured through legitimate earnings of the respondent but are reasonably suspected to be part of the fraudulent activities which the respondent has been convicted for,” the deponent averred.
Invictus Obi is currently serving a 10-year jail term in America for his involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme amounting to $11 million.
- Court halts Nigeria Air’s take-off as Airline Operators sue FG - November 15, 2022
- Bizmen slam N407.8m suit on Union Bank - July 1, 2022
- N25.7bn fraud: Appeal Court affirms Atuche, Anyanwu’s conviction - June 23, 2022
