The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Enugu Zonal Command on Friday returned eleven recovered houses in different parts of Enugu to Chief Arthur Eze.
The properties were recovered by the EFCC from the duo of Olisaebuka Okechukwu Eze and Onyeka Nnadozie Eze, manager of administration and finance respectively at Arthur Eze’s firm.
A statement from EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said the duo were charged with criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds belonging to the business tycoon.
The investigation established that the duo, who are also chief Eze’s nephews, used the proceeds of their alleged criminal activities to acquire select properties in Enugu and other parts of southeastern Nigeria.
In the course of the investigation, the Commission initiated confiscation proceedings against the two company officials before Judge IM Buba of the Federal High Court, Enugu, who granted an interim order for the confiscation of said properties, ordering the defendants to demonstrate why the properties should not be lost eventually.
In the absence of information to the contrary, on October 18, 2021, the Court ordered that the properties be definitively seized and returned to the nominal plaintiff, Chief Arthur Eze.
Upon receiving the properties in Enugu on January 28, Chief Eze expressed his gratitude to the EFCC for ensuring that justice is done.
In his words, “I am grateful to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Zonal Commander and all his men who fought for justice.
“I am aware that, at some point, your men risked their lives for this cause. I pray that God, who has been keeping you, will always protect you. I’m here in person to thank you for all you did for me when those I call mine stole from me.”
The Zonal Commander, Oshodi Johnson, who handed over the properties to the businessman, praised the investigation and prosecution teams, as well as the judiciary for ensuring that justice is done in the case.
