The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim forfeiture of N510million from an account alleged to belong to former commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Uko Etim Ebong, to a ‘company’ Elioenai International College. This was contained in an ex-parte application filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, and granted by Justice Ahmed Mohammed on Monday May 11.
AVM Ebong, who served as the commander PAF between 2013 and July 2015, was accused of receiving N731 million through a company with which he allegedly has a link – Magnificent 5 Ventures Limited, from the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) without any contractual agreement.
The EFCC’s supporting affidavit reveals that AVM Ebong, while being a public officer, managed and used private companies to carry out financial transactions while concealing his identity. These companies include Magnificent 5 Ventures Ltd, Tripple Kay Company Nigeria Ltd and Elionenai International College Ltd. The court directed the EFCC to publicize the order for anyone interested in the funds to appear before the court and show cause within 14 days why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.