Patrick Akpobolokemi, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has forfeited choice properties belonging to him in Banana Island and Ikoyi to the federal government.
The former NIMASA boss also forfeited over N725 million to the government, being proceeds allegedly diverted from the agency.
The order for the forfeiture was given on Monday by a federal high court in Lagos which said the Akpobolokemi illegally diverted the funds used in acquiring the said properties from the top maritime agency while he presided over its affairs.
According to Justice Tijjani Ringim who gave the ruling, in a matter brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the affected properties include Plot J 37A 218 Close, 2nd Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos,
The judge granted the order following a motion ex parte filed and argued by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission counsel, Bilkisu Buhari.
“I have listened to the submission of counsel and perused the affidavit in support of the application together with exhibits.
“I find merit in this statutory application and same is granted as prayed,” the judge said after the anti-graft agency has successfully argued the case.
The EFCC however urged anyone with genuine reasons on why the properties should not be forfeited to show cause within 14 days after which they automatically become that of the federal government.
Akpobolokemi has been in and out of court on alleged embezzlement and corruption following the termination of his appointment in July 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
