Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A landmark anti-corruption judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja has resulted in the final forfeiture of N3.44 billion and three high-value properties linked to a former senior official of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, following a detailed investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving public office.
Justice J.O. Abdulmalik granted the order on March 31, 2026, after upholding an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against Salihu Nuhu Jamari, who previously served as Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Gas and Power Investment Company Limited. The ruling marked the conclusion of a non-conviction based asset forfeiture proceeding, transferring ownership of the assets to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The court’s decision followed an earlier interim forfeiture order granted in February 2026, which allowed the temporary seizure of the funds and properties pending further proceedings. As part of due process, the court directed that the interim order be made public to give any interested parties the opportunity to contest the forfeiture. At the resumed hearing, no individual or entity presented a valid claim to challenge the order, a development that significantly strengthened the case for permanent forfeiture.
Central to the case is the sum of N3,444,000,000, which investigators traced to alleged illicit financial activities linked to Jamari during his tenure in office. According to findings presented in court, the funds were connected to suspected acts of bribery, diversion of public funds, and money laundering tied to contracts executed under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s gas and power investment arm.
Investigations into the matter were triggered by a formal petition submitted in 2025, alleging abuse of office and financial misconduct. The probe reportedly uncovered a network of transactions involving private companies linked to the former official, through which funds were allegedly received from contractors handling major energy projects.
Among the projects examined during the investigation were key power and gas infrastructure initiatives, including emergency and independent power projects in major Nigerian cities. Authorities alleged that Jamari used his position to influence contract awards and received kickbacks through corporate entities in which he had interests, raising serious concerns about conflict of interest and abuse of authority.
In addition to the cash forfeiture, the court ordered the permanent seizure of three properties located in Abuja and Lagos, all linked to the former official. These include an uncompleted six-bedroom semi-detached duplex with a boys’ quarters in the Asokoro district of Abuja, a two-bedroom apartment in Osborne Phase II, Ikoyi, Lagos, and a restaurant building situated in the Lokogoma district of Abuja.
Court proceedings revealed that the properties were acquired during the period of Jamari’s leadership at the NNPC subsidiary and were considered disproportionate to his legitimate earnings. Investigators established a connection between the properties and the alleged illicit funds, reinforcing the EFCC’s argument that they constituted proceeds of unlawful activities.
During the hearing, legal representatives for the EFCC presented a motion on notice supported by affidavits and documentary evidence outlining the basis for the forfeiture. The commission argued that it had satisfied the legal requirements under relevant statutes, including provisions that allow for the recovery of assets linked to financial crimes without the need for a criminal conviction.
Notably, the application for final forfeiture was not contested by the respondent. An affidavit indicating non-opposition was presented, meaning that the forfeiture proceedings proceeded without legal resistance from Jamari. This absence of opposition played a significant role in the court’s decision to grant the application.
Justice Abdulmalik, in her ruling, held that the EFCC had provided sufficient grounds to justify the forfeiture and affirmed that the application was meritorious. She subsequently ordered that the funds and properties be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The case highlights the increasing use of civil forfeiture mechanisms in Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy. Unlike criminal trials, which require proof beyond reasonable doubt, non-conviction based forfeiture proceedings operate on a lower standard of proof, allowing authorities to recover assets where there is reasonable evidence linking them to unlawful conduct.
Legal analysts note that this approach has become a critical tool for anti-corruption agencies, particularly in complex financial crime cases where securing criminal convictions may be challenging due to evidentiary constraints. By focusing on the assets themselves, rather than solely on criminal liability, authorities can disrupt illicit financial networks and recover public resources.
The ruling also underscores ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which remains a central pillar of the country’s economy. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has historically faced scrutiny over governance practices, prompting calls for stronger oversight and reforms.
Public reaction to the judgment has reflected cautious optimism, with many observers viewing the forfeiture as a positive step toward accountability. However, there are also calls for broader systemic reforms to prevent similar cases in the future, including improved procurement processes and stricter monitoring of public officials.
For the EFCC, the case represents a significant enforcement milestone and reinforces its commitment to pursuing high-profile corruption cases. The commission has indicated that asset recovery remains a key component of its mandate, with a focus on ensuring that illicitly acquired wealth is returned to the public domain.
As Nigeria continues to confront the challenges of corruption, the outcome of this case is likely to serve as both a precedent and a deterrent. It sends a clear signal that financial misconduct in public office carries consequences, while also highlighting the role of the judiciary in supporting anti-corruption efforts.
The forfeited assets, now under government control, may ultimately be redirected toward public use, contributing to national development priorities. However, the long-term impact of the ruling will depend on sustained enforcement, institutional reforms, and a continued commitment to transparency across all levels of government.
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