On Monday in Abuja, a Federal High Court ordered the temporary seizure of ₦30.7 million linked to an ongoing fraud investigation involving officials connected to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC. The order was made by Justice Emeka Nwite following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission during its investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
The EFCC told the court that the money was traced to transactions uncovered while reviewing petitions and financial records connected to senior figures linked to NNPC. According to the anti-graft agency, the funds were discovered in the possession of a Bureau De Change operator after checks on banking documents and transaction trails showed large cash movements allegedly directed by a public servant.
The commission informed the court that the money is suspected to be part of proceeds from unlawful activities. Based on this, the court approved an interim forfeiture to prevent the funds from being moved or tampered with while investigations continue.
Justice Nwite directed that a notice of the forfeiture be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested person to come forward and contest the action. He granted a 14-day period for claims to be filed before the court.
The judge adjourned the matter to January 22, 2026, for a report on the progress of the investigation and any responses from affected parties.