Police Secures Interim Forfeiture of Hotel, Others

A Federal High Court, Lagos, has ordered an interim forfeiture of an hotel, Suzuki bus and other home appliances, currently in the possession of State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), of Nigeria Police, Panti-Yaba, Lagos, for been suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo who presided over the court, made the ordered while granting an exparte motion and an affidavit in support, filed and argued before him by the police lawyer, Mr. Joseph Ebosereme.
The police in a suit numbered FHC/L/CS/809/2020, had asked the Court for an interim forfeiture of the said hotel, located at Awori Town, Lagos State, Suzuki Bus marked EPE 717 X2, 2 Plasma Televisions and 2 Generators belonging, said to belongs to Monday Uvi and Friday Joseph Eze, who were listed as respondents in the suit.
The police has also asked the court for an interim order prohibiting any disposal, tampering, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienating or otherwise of the asset/properties are reasonably believed and suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
While it also asked the court for an interim order authorizing the Inspector General of Police to appoint a competent person(s) or firm to manage the assets and properties names and described in the schedule of this application.
The police also asked the court for an ordered compelling the two respondents named in the suit or any other person who has interest in the properties sought to be forfeited, to appear before it within 14 days and give reasons why it should not be finally forfeited to the Federal government of Nigeria
Justice Nicholas Oweibo, who presided over the court, after listening to the submission of Mr. Joseph Ebosereme, ruled that: “the application is considered and granted as prayed”.
Justice Oweibo, has adjourned further hearing of the matter till October 7, 2020