EFCC Protests As Ekweremadu Blames Commission For Detention
Ekweremadu’s allegations were contained in an application he filed before the Nigerian court seeking an order of the court to set aside an interim order granted in favour of the Federal Government for forfeiture of his 40 properties in the country and outside the country.
The ex-Deputy Senate President, in an application by his counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), claimed that the forfeiture order was granted to the Federal Government in error because the EFCC suppressed information and facts in respect of the properties.
Specifically, the Senator who has been detained since June 21, 2022, alleged that the EFCC fraudulently obtained the forfeiture order for the government by concealing information that the investigation on the 40 properties started as far back as 2008.
He said that the anti-graft agency deliberately refused to disclose to the court that he was in London detention and would not be able to counter the forfeiture request.
Ekweremadu, therefore, prayed to the court to set aside the forfeiture order and stay proceedings in the matter until he resolves his ordeal before the London Court.
However, counsel to the EFCC, Silvanus Tahir (SAN), denied that the commission was behind Ekweremadu’s ordeal.
While admitting that the EFCC wrote the London Court based on a special request, he said that it was a normal routine for anti-graft agencies to exchange information that would be helpful to one another.
Tahir did not object to the request for a stay of proceedings until Ekweremadu had fully resolved his case in the London Court, but he was vehemently opposed to the request to vacate the forfeiture order.
Justice Ekwo, after taking arguments from parties, fixed January 25 of next year for a ruling in the matter.
The Court had on Friday, November 4, ordered the interim forfeiture of 40 landed properties linked to Ekweremadu in some parts of the country and outside the country.
Justice Ekwo issued the order following an ex-parte motion filed and moved by Ibrahim Buba, lawyer to the EFCC.
