A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Friday ordered the definitive forfeiture to the Federal Government of 1,982,022,84 Bitcoin worth N40m, the property of a suspected internet fraudster.Infomation Guide Nigeria
In addition, Justice Nicholas Oweibo ordered the final confiscation of an iPhone 12 Pro Max, an iPhone 7, and all cash discovered in two bank accounts belonging to Alkali Tanimu, also known as Yahoo Boy, a suspected internet fraudster.
On July 19, 2022, the court issued a temporary order of forfeiture for the objects on the list, which have since been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Oweibo issued the final forfeiture decision on Friday after hearing the arguments of Sulaiman I. Sulaiman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who moved and argued the application for forfeiture, the supporting affidavit, and a written statement.
Sulaiman noted that the application was filed in accordance with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act No. 14 of 2006 and Section 44 (2)(B) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as Amended.
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He informed the court that the things sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activity and that the court has the authority to forfeit them under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offenses Act of 2006.
He said that the intelligence item in question had been evaluated, deemed credible, and given to his team for investigation and report preparation in confidence.
In addition, the witness testified that the two phones were transferred to a forensic laboratory, where they were analysed and fake paperwork were produced, which he duly signed.Jamb Result
Moreover, he added that when confronted with these facts, the suspect agreed to make his extra–judicial statement under caution, in which he confessed to involvement in cyber fraud.
After listening to the EFCC’s counsel, Justice Oweibo held, “The application is meritorious and the same ought to be granted, and it’s hereby granted.”