A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the permanent seizure of N150 million associated with Nicholas Mutu, a current member of the House of Representatives. Justice J.O. Abdulmalik issued the verdict following a successful motion brought forward by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling confirms the final forfeiture after the court determined that no adequate justification was presented to contest the government’s claim. This decision follows an initial interim order previously issued regarding these assets. The court had mandated a public notice in a national newspaper to invite potential challengers, yet no valid objections were submitted within the specified timeframe.
The EFCC stated that its inquiry linked the funds to alleged illicit activities occurring while Mutu served as the chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission. Prosecutors alleged that the legislator accepted kickbacks exceeding N400 million from an NDDC consultant, with the N150 million serving as a portion of those traced proceeds. Justice Abdulmalik reviewed the arguments and subsequently ruled in favor of the commission.
