The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered a temporal forfeiture of N437 million linked to a Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Clement Illoh Onubuogu.
Justice Abdulaziz Anka, on Thursday, granted the order following a submission by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying it suspected that the money was proceeds of unlawful activity.
Anka also granted the interim forfeiture of the sum of N129 million found by the anti-graft agency in possession of various staff who worked with Onubuogu.
Also affected by the forfeiture order is a building located at Ikom Quarters, Issala-Azegba in Delta state and a hotel located at No. 19 Madue Nwafor Street, off Achala Ibuzo Road, in the same state.
EFCC had informed the court that both buildings belong to the permanent secretary and are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
Anka directed the commission to notify the secretary to appear before the court and show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.