Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N3.44bn, Properties Linked to Former NNPC Official
Justice J.O Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of N3.44 billion and three properties linked to a former senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
The assets were traced to Salihu Nuhu Jamari, who served as Managing Director of NNPC’s Gas and Power Investment Company Limited.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, followed a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), seeking the permanent forfeiture of the funds and properties to the Federal Government.
The forfeited assets include an uncompleted six-bedroom semi-detached duplex with boys’ quarters in Asokoro, Abuja; a two-bedroom apartment in Osborne II, Ikoyi, Lagos; and a restaurant property located in Lokogoma District, Abuja.
Justice Abdulmalik had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on February 25, 2026, directing that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested parties to contest it. However, no objections were successfully sustained, paving the way for the final forfeiture.
According to the EFCC, the funds were linked to alleged cases of conspiracy, bribery, kickbacks, and money laundering involving staff and contractors within the NNPC. Investigations revealed that Jamari allegedly used private companies—Cumulus Energy Limited and Pius and Phillips Petroleum Limited—to receive illicit payments from contractors awarded major projects.
The anti-graft agency stated that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities uncovered following a petition submitted in April 2025.
In his ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the application by the EFCC had merit and consequently ordered that the assets be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N3.44bn, Properties Linked to Former NNPC Official