EFCC Returns Properties to Arthur Eze After Court Order

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

No fewer than 11 properties in different parts of Enugu State have been recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and handed over to a prominent businessman, Mr Arthur Eze.

The assets were returned to Mr Eze on Friday, January 28, 2022, by the Enugu Zonal Command of the anti-money laundering agency.

A statement issued by the EFCC explained that the properties were recovered from the duo of Olisaebuka Okechukwu Eze and Onyeka Nnadozie Eze, administration and finance manager respectively in the businessman’s company.

The two suspects were accused of criminal breach of trust and diversion of funds belonging to the business mogul.

An investigation established that the duo, who are also nephews of Mr Eze, used proceeds of their alleged criminal activities to acquire choice properties in Enugu and other parts of South Eastern Nigeria.

The commission in the course of the investigation initiated forfeiture proceedings against the two company officials before Justice I.M Buba of the Federal High Court, Enugu, which granted an interim order of forfeiture of the said properties, directing the defendants to show cause why the properties should not be finally forfeited.

In the absence of any contrary information, the court on October 18, 2021, ordered that the properties be finally forfeited and returned to the nominal complainant.

Receiving the properties in Enugu, Mr Eze expressed gratitude to the EFCC for ensuring that justice was served.

“I am grateful to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Zonal Commander and all your men who fought for justice to be served.

“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 am here in person to thank you for all that you did for me when those whom I call my own, stole from me,” he said.

The Zonal Commander, Mr Oshodi Johnson, who handed the properties to the businessman, commended the investigative and prosecution teams as well as the judiciary for ensuring that justice is served in the case.