In a breakthrough in the investigation into the fraudulent diversion of funds from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), a suspect in the case has returned N118 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and is cooperating with the agency.
Uche Obilor, the suspect in question, had been accused of diverting funds from NIMASA through his companies.
However, following his invitation by the EFCC, he agreed to return the stolen funds and cooperate with the investigation.
The EFCC had earlier obtained an interim forfeiture order from the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, to seize the funds.
The court has now granted a final forfeiture order, following the suspect’s cooperation and the return of the funds.
Confirming the return of the funds, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale said the investigation into the NIMASA loot is ongoing, with the EFCC working to recover more funds and apprehend other suspects involved in the fraud.
“At today’s hearing, no interested party appeared in court to contest the interim order. As a result, Justice Kehinde Ogundare ordered the final forfeiture of the amounts of $16,500 and N127 million,” Oyewale stated.
The EFCC had launched an investigation into the fraudulent diversion of funds from NIMASA in May 2024, following a petition from the agency.
Credit: Vanguard
