WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order to seize properties worth N1.2 billion, allegedly owned by an Abia State public servant, Erondu Uchenna Erondu, following the Commission’s ongoing investigation into the diversion of N28 billion in public funds by state officials around the year 2010. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the seizure request on Thursday in a motion ex parte moved by EFCC lawyer, Barrister Charles Oni. The lawyer sought the court’s approval to seize the suspect’s properties on an interim basis, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution in connection with alleged economic and financial crimes, including criminal conspiracy, illegal transfer of funds, impersonation, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering totaling over N28 billion. Oni stated that the amount was discovered through open-source intelligence, currently being investigated by the EFCC. “We submit that the Applicant (EFCC), in the exercise of its statutory power to investigate all reported cases, whether through intelligence reports or direct petitions, has been empowered under Section 34 of the EFCC Act to trace and seize all assets believed to be proceeds of crime. These constitute offences under the Act and warrant an interim order of forfeiture from the court.” What the Judge Said After hearing Oni’s arguments, the judge granted the application as requested, describing it as “meritorious.” The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 26, 2025, for a report of compliance.
Court orders seizure of Erondu Uchenna’s N1.2bn assets amid alleged funds diversion in Abia
