By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
A Federal High Court in Kaduna has issued an interim temporary forfeiture order on N1.37 billion, which was allegedly funneled into the private account of Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited during the tenure of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The ruling, delivered by Justice G. M. Kabara on February 28, 2025, follows an application filed on February 14, 2025.
The court has directed that a notice be published in two national newspapers, allowing any interested parties to present reasons why the seized funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
According to court documents, the recovered amount has been deposited into the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovery account at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The funds are linked to an ongoing investigation into financial activities involving Kaduna State Government officials between 2015 and 2023.
The case, filed under suit number FHC/KD/C5/28/2025, is based on provisions from the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006, the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act of 2022, and Section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
The legal proceedings have been adjourned until April 8, 2025, when further arguments on the matter will be heard.
