The Federal High Court Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of properties purchased by a Bureau De Change(BDC) dealer, Jedidiah Ibrahim Ezenwa over a N1.2 billion contract scam case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Inyang Ekwo passed the judgment yesterday, Monday, June 10, 2024 in SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1350/2022, between EFCC and Jedidiah Ibrahim Ezenwa, Jedidiah Cement Industry Ltd, Omega Global Resources, Jedidiah Universal Transport Hephz Ltd, Afriinvest Asset Management Ltd, the Guguru Company Ltd and Josien Holdings Ltd(1st to seventh respondents).
Ezenwa is said to be a dealer in foreign currency who approached Ibrahim Amusan(Petitioner) for a foreign currency transaction regarding the purchase of United States Dollars. The EFCC legal team in their motion on notice stated that they received a petition dated 8th July 2021 from one Ibrahim Amusan for himself and on behalf of Afri Invest Ltd, Joisen Holdings Ltd and Jack Welch Petroleum Services Ltd, alleging the case of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, fraudulent conversion of funds and money laundering against the respondents.
It explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the 1st respondent, instead of exchanging the money he was given based on the contractual agreement, used it to purchase two duplex, plots of land among others.
The EFCC submitted further that on 7th November 2022, the Court granted the ex-parte Originating Summons and made an interim order forfeiting the properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria and directed the applicant to publish the Order in a National dally giving fourteen (14) days for anyone to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited.
Jerry Ombugadu Musa, Esq, counsel for the first to fourth respondent told the court that all funds subject of any transaction for which his clients are parties to, are proceeds of legitimate business and contractual agreements. He maintained that contrary to EFCC’s claims, his client satisfied all contractual obligations with the petitioner.
Delivering his judgment on Monday, Justice Ekwo held that by the provision of 6 (b) of the EFCC Act 2004, the law criminalizes contract scams. He agreed with the EFCC that the first respondent scammed the petitioner by diverting the money transferred to him. The judge subsequently ordered the final forfeiture of the properties linked to the foreign currency dealer.
The properties forfeited include;
“ 4 Bedroom Terrace Duplex located at Plot No. 48 Block R, Federal Sites and Services Scheme, Federal Housing Estate (Malaysian Estate), Benin Asaba Expressway Asaba, Oshimill South L.G.A, Delta State.
“ 4 Bedroom Terrace Duplex located at Plot No. 18A Block 5, Core Area, Federal Sites and Services Scheme, Federal Housing Estate (Malaysian Estate), Benin Asaba Expressway Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A, Delta State.
“ Sub-Plot No. TRCD29/Plot No. 4851 located at Citiscape Villa, Guzape District, Cadastral Zone A09, FCT.
“ 1 Mercedes Benz G-Wagon SUV, Chasis No. WDCYC7AFZAX183776 (BLACK)”