By Sodiq Oluwaremilekun
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of $49,700 allegedly recovered from Dr. Nura Ali, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State, to the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had met all legal requirements for the final forfeiture, noting that no objections were raised by interested parties.
“I have listened to the submission of learned counsel for the applicant and carefully examined the supporting affidavit. I am satisfied that the application is meritorious. Consequently, it is hereby granted,” Justice Nwite declared.
ICPC counsel Osuobeni Akponimisingha had informed the court that the anti-graft agency had fully complied with an earlier interim forfeiture order and published a public notice inviting anyone with interest in the funds to show cause why they should not be permanently forfeited, but no one responded.
The case follows an interim forfeiture order granted by the court on December 30, 2024, after an ex parte motion filed jointly by the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS). According to the application, the funds were recovered during a search of Dr. Ali’s residence in Kano.
An ICPC affidavit, deposed by litigation officer Iliya Markus, alleged that Dr. Ali received bribes from political stakeholders while serving as INEC REC during the 2023 general elections. Dr. Ali reportedly claimed the money was a gift from former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal and Senator Aliyu Wamakko and requested its release from the DSS.
The ICPC argued that INEC staff are not paid in U.S. dollars, suggesting the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity. With Wednesday’s ruling, the $49,700 is now officially forfeited to the Federal Government, highlighting the strengthened collaboration between the ICPC and DSS in tackling electoral-related corruption.
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