AVM Obong loses N510m interim forfeiture to FG

Air Vice Marshal Uko Etim Obong will be temporary losing N510 million to the Nigerian government on the order of a Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The presiding judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice A.R. Mohammed, had on Monday, upheld an application by the EFCC, directing the interim forfeiture of N510 million linked to Vice Air Marshal Uko Etim Obong.

EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, had in a statement indicated that the application by the Commission for the interim forfeiture  was pursuant to Section 44 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

The statement indicated that the EFCC intelligence discovered the money lodged in Sterling Bank, noting that discreet investigation revealed it was a proceed of unlawful activities traced to AVM Obong.

Oyewale recalled that AVM Obong was Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet between 2013 and 2015; adding that Obong allegedly enriched himself corruptly while serving in that capacity.

EFCC alleged that former Air Chief used some of his cronies and companies, such as Magnificent 5 Ventures Limited; Tripple Kay Company Nigeria Limited, and Elionenai International College, as conduits to drain public funds while concealing his identity.

The statement indicated further that Justice Mohammed, thereafter, granted the prayers of the EFCC and ordered the interim forfeiture of the sum, then, adjourned the matter to May 26, 2020 for hearing.