Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N3.44bn and Properties in EFCC Nigeria Anti-Corruption Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nigeria has secured a significant legal victory in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption and illicit financial flows, following a final forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria.

Justice J.O Abdulmalik, presiding over the Federal High Court, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of N3,444,000,000 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Four Million Naira) and three properties linked to Salihu Nuhu Jamari, former Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s Gas and Power Investment Company Limited (NGPIC).

Assets Forfeited

• An uncompleted six-bedroom semi-detached duplex with boys’ quarters at Plot 3168, Asokoro District, Abuja.
• A two-bedroom flat, Block 2, Apartment AI, Block EFG, Osborne II, Ikoyi, Lagos.
• A restaurant located at Plot 102, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

Case Background

The forfeiture followed a motion on notice filed by the EFCC on March 17, 2026, through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

Earlier, on February 25, 2026, the court had granted an interim forfeiture order and directed that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested party to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.

Investigations revealed that the funds and properties are linked to a case involving conspiracy, kickbacks, bribery, and money laundering connected to staff and contractors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

A petition dated April 28, 2025, alleged that Jamari, while serving as Managing Director of NGPIC, used private companies—Cumulus Energy Limited and Pius and Phillips Petroleum Limited—to receive kickbacks from contractors awarded major projects by NNPCL.

Court Determination

After reviewing the EFCC’s application, Justice Abdulmalik held that it had merit and consequently ordered the final forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Institutional Context

This outcome reflects ongoing national efforts to strengthen accountability, recover illicit assets, and deter corruption. It also resonates with the broader objectives of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), which promotes cooperation among member institutions and supports measures aimed at combating corruption and illicit financial flows across the region.