Kaduna court orders forfeiture of N1.37bn allegedly diverted under El-Rufai

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the temporary forfeiture of N1.37bn allegedly diverted by Kaduna State government officials between  2015 and 2023 when ex-governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was in power.

Justice G. M. Kabara issued the forfeiture order on February 28, 2025, in response to an application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The ICPC, in the papers before the court, said the funds were recovered from Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited, which the government officials allegedly used to siphon the money.

The anti-graft agency said the recovery stemmed from an ongoing investigation into Kaduna State Government officials who served between 2015 and 2023.

“The forfeited amount was recovered in the course of an ongoing investigation against officials of the Kaduna State Government,” a source familiar with the case disclosed.

The court directed the anti-graft agency to publish the forfeiture order in two national newspapers, inviting any individuals or entities with claims to the funds to present their case before a final forfeiture ruling is made.

“The defendant is hereby ordered to temporarily forfeit the sum of N1,373,180,510.07 to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Justice Kabara stated.

The case, filed under suit number FHC/KD/C5/28/2025, was brought under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

Further hearings have been scheduled for April 8, 2025.

Last year, a committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly alleged that it uncovered N432bn fraud allegedly perpetrated under El-Rufai.

No fewer than two of the government appointees, who served during El-Rufai’s tenure, are facing criminal trial.

El-Rufai has, however, contended that the criminal cases were politically motivated.