Jul 22, 2026

Court of Appeal Upholds Seizure of N294m, Prime Properties from Ex-General

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria | July 22, 2026- In a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has unanimously affirmed the final forfeiture of over N293.97 million, multiple high-value landed properties, and investment assets linked to retired Major General Emmanuel Jebe Atewe to the Federal Government.

The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo, dismisses Atewe’s appeal and solidifies years of painstaking investigative work by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This decision marks another milestone in the EFCC’s long-running battle against high-profile graft, particularly in the sensitive nexus of security operations and public funds in the Niger Delta.

For ordinary Nigerians weary of tales of diverted billions meant for national security, it offers a rare sense of accountability — a reminder that even the mighty can be held to explain the source of sudden wealth.

The forfeited items include the cash sum of N293,970,000, 30,000 MTN-linked units held in Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, and several prime properties.

These span plots of land along the Outer Northern Expressway in Jahi, Sabon Lugbe, Kuje, Gaube Farmland Extension II Layout, Sector Centre B Layout in Kuje (Abuja), plus a commercial property in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

EFCC investigators traced these assets to funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities — specifically, the alleged diversion of approximately N8.537 billion released for the operations of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, in the Niger Delta.

The money was reportedly channeled through a network of companies and proxies for services that were never rendered, with portions funneled into personal acquisitions.

One notable trail involved N297 million linked to Cisco Nobots Limited, used in a Port Harcourt property transaction, from which the EFCC recovered N290 million.

Atewe, who commanded the JTF during the relevant period (around 2014-2015), has faced prosecution alongside others, including former NIMASA DG Patrick Akpobolokemi, on charges of conspiracy, stealing, and money laundering.

The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, had earlier issued an interim forfeiture order before making it final, ruling that Atewe failed to provide a satisfactory legitimate explanation for the assets.

Dissatisfied, Atewe appealed on grounds including claims of protection under Section 123 of the Armed Forces Act (as a military officer), the impropriety of forfeiture proceedings while criminal charges were pending, and jurisdictional issues.

The Court of Appeal rejected all arguments. Key points:

- Retired Status: Atewe admitted his retirement in affidavits; the protection under Section 123 applies only to serving officers.

- Burden of Proof: His explanations, citing “honoraria,” fell short of establishing lawful acquisition.

- Parallel Proceedings: Civil forfeiture during ongoing criminal trials does not amount to abuse of process.

The unanimous judgment upholds the lower court’s findings and paves the way for the assets to be fully vested in the federal government, with potential sale proceeds directed to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Operation Pulo Shield was a military effort to combat oil theft, bunkering, and insecurity in the Niger Delta. Allegations of massive fund diversion during its tenure have long dogged the operation, highlighting vulnerabilities in security spending where billions allocated for national assets protection allegedly funded private empires instead.

This case echoes earlier interim forfeitures secured in 2023 and underscores the EFCC’s strategy of using non-conviction-based asset recovery under laws like the Advance Fee Fraud Act to swiftly reclaim looted resources while criminal trials proceed.

For Atewe, who has maintained his innocence, the ruling represents a major legal setback, though his criminal trial continues.

As Nigeria grapples with economic hardships and security challenges, victories like this reinforce public trust in institutions tasked with recovering stolen wealth.

The EFCC, under its current leadership, continues to signal zero tolerance for impunity, regardless of status.

Yet, challenges remain—from lengthy trials to the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration and judicial efficiency.

For the retired general and others in similar positions, the ruling serves as a stark caution: public funds, especially those meant for safeguarding the nation, carry a heavy burden of accountability.

Nigerians will be watching to see how these recovered assets translate into tangible public good.

The fight against corruption is far from over, but days like today remind us that persistence can yield justice.