Connect with us

Society

$11m fraud: Court orders interim forfeiture of houses, cars linked to Invictus Obi

Published

2 years ago

on

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the temporary forfeiture of two houses in Abuja and two cars traced to the convicted cybercriminal, Obinwanne George Okeke also known as Invictus Obi.

The court issued the order on October 29, 2021, following an ex parte motion filed and argued by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Chinenye Okezie. According to the EFCC, the properties will be used to restitute foreign victims of Invictus Obi’s fraud through the United States of America Consulate.

The houses to be forfeited are House 4 Oakville Estate, Kado Kuchi, Abuja, and another five-bedroom duplex at Standard Estate, Kabusa, Abuja while the vehicles are a Toyota Corolla with Registration Number: RBC6238N and another unregistered Toyota Corolla Sport.

Granting the order, the presiding judge said: “I have listened to the submission of the counsel to the applicant vis-a-vis affidavit filed in support. I hold in my considered view that this application is meritorious and ought to be granted. Consequently, this application is hereby granted as prayed.”

The judge also ordered that the Commission should publish the order in a widely read newspaper in Nigeria within 14 days for any interested party to show cause why the order should not be permanently made.

He adjourned till November 30 to make a final decision on the forfeiture application, The Cable reports.

The EFCC supported its application for the forfeiture with an affidavit sworn by one of its investigators, Usman Abdulhamid.

Abdulhamid noted that Invictus Obi had already forfeited N280,555,010, N240,250,904.46, and N40,304,106.19 to the Federal Government.

“On further investigation by the Commission, two more properties were traced belonging to the convict, along with two vehicles parked in the residence. This application is pertinent in order to restitute the victims of the fraud through the United States of America Consulate.

”This matter is of very urgent public interest and concern as it directly tarnishes the image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nigeria among the comity of nations.

”The properties sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria by the applicant were not procured through legitimate earnings of the Respondent but are reasonably suspected to be part of the fraudulent activities which the Respondent has been convicted for,” Abdulhamid said

In 2016, Obi was celebrated by Forbes as one of Africa’s most outstanding 30 entrepreneurs under the age of 30.

He is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence in America for his involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme amounting to $11 million.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Society

Concerns raised over whereabouts of security expert, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro

Published

17 hours ago

on

May 3, 2024

By

 

Concerns have arisen regarding the whereabouts of Amb. Dr. Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, a prominent Nigerian diplomat and security expert.

 

Amb. Adegbenro, known for his contributions to national security and international diplomacy, has reportedly gone missing after honoring a police invitation on April 26, 2024.

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Networks (CCSN), in collaboration with the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), has raised alarm over his sudden disappearance.

 

According to information gathered from the management of NATCOM, Amb. Adegbenro was called by the Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force to respond to a petition.

 

However, since his appearance, there has been no communication from him, and his family and associates have been unable to locate him.

 

Despite rumours of his release on April 29, 2024, his whereabouts remain unknown, with his phone unreachable.

 

Expressing concern over the situation, it is highlighted that Amb. Adegbenro holds a significant role as a Special Emissary of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) and has been instrumental in fostering collaborations between Nigerian security agencies and international organizations like the EuroPolice Federation.

 

Citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), a signatory to by Nigeria, calls have been made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for transparency and adherence to due process in Amb. Adegbenro’s case.

 

The CCSN/OHC-IHRC NG emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, urging authorities to provide clarity on his situation.

 

The statement further appeals to Nigerian authorities for intervention, stressing the necessity of a thorough investigation into the allegations against Amb. Adegbenro.

 

Justice and accountability are deemed essential in addressing the situation effectively.

Continue Reading

Society

Costal highway: Landmark Beach refunds customers after demolition

Published

18 hours ago

on

May 3, 2024

By

The management of Landmark Resort Beach says it has initiated the refund process for customers impacted by the recent demolition of portions of its properties by the Federal Government.

According to a statement posted on its X account on Friday by Landmark Africa, the parent company of Landmark Resort Beach, refunds are being facilitated through the Landmark Citizen App.

While acknowledging the patience of their customers, the management advised that completion of the refund process may be delayed due to the high number of requests.

“Dear Landmark Citizens, we would like to assure you all that we have started issuing refunds to those who requested a refund of their money on the Landmark Citizen App.

“Please be patient with us, due to the volume of requests, this process will take some time. Be rest assured that all refund requests will be processed,” the statement read.

A portion of Landmark Beach on Victoria Island, Lagos, was demolished on Monday to accommodate the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Minister of Works, David Umahi has defended the demolition, citing that the Landmark centre encroached upon the Federal Government’s right-of-way.

The Breeze Beach Club, Mami Chula and other beach businesses were also demolished in the process.

Continue Reading

Society

Auwalu Abdullahi Rano: Ice block seller who became billionaire, owns 120 filling stations, 600 trucks, 60m litre tank farm

Published

18 hours ago

on

May 3, 2024

By

Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, popularly known as A.A Rano, transformed from a humble boy from Kano Village into a billionaire magnate, overseeing a conglomerate that includes 120 filling stations across Nigeria.

Born into an average family in Lausu, Kano State, Rano started small, with an ice block and groundnut oil business, including other local items.

Rano has gone into building a multi-billion naira enterprise spanning various sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

Today, Rano owns AA Rano oil & Gas industry in Nigeria with 56 ML Tank farm in Lagos, with 120 retail outlet/ fillng stations across Nigeria and over 600 trucks & LPG terminals as well as acquired vessel (M.T LAUSAU).

His ventures include RanoGaz, a state-of-the-art Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal, a rice milling company, Rano Lubricant, Rano Air, Lausu Marine and Logistics, AA Rano Terminal, and AA Rano Road Haulage.

Continue Reading

Trending