Justice Rilwan Aikawa l, on Wednesday, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has shown reasonable cause that the fund and properties were proceeds of unlawful activity
The Federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of the sums of N28 5m, houses, and a plot of land, acquired with the proceed of an unlawful activities, by Mr. Alade Anifowose, a former director of finance in the public work corporation in the Lagos State civil service.
Justice Rilwan Aikawa l, on Wednesday, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has shown reasonable cause that the fund and properties were proceeds of unlawful activity.
"The ground for forfeiture is reasonable suspicion and nor beyond reasonable doubt," the judge said in his ruling.
Mr. Anifowoshe, a Director in the Public Works Corporation of the Lagos State government, was accused of using his position to unlawfully enrich himself.
The properties he acquired, according to the EFCC, include six flats of three-bedroom apartments, six flats of two-bedroom apartments, and six flats of one-bedroom apartments on Adewale Osiyeku Street, Offin-Ile Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Others are four sets of three-bedroom duplexes at No. 6, Tunde Gabby Close, Dopemu Area, Pako Bus Stop, Agege, Lagos State; as well as a semi-detached three bedroom flat and a unit of three-bedroom terrace at Cranbel Court, Citiview Estate Arepo Ogun State.
Also included is a plot of land at Queen’s Garden Estate off Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. In December, both the federal and Lagos state governments had laid claim to the properties, with the latter stating that Mr. Anifowoshe was its employee.
The judge also ruled that the federal government "should take such administrative stes to ensure that the funds and properties are transmitted to the Lagos State government in view of the evidence before me."