Government to seize 20 properties belonging to convicted retired thief Maina (See list)

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, ordered the final forfeiture of at least 20 properties linked to the convicted former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina.

The judge in his ruling stated that the Commission for the Eradication of Economic and Financial Crimes (KPK) had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt that the assets located in various parts of the country were obtained illegally.

According to him, the commission effectively carried out its responsibility under the law to establish that the property was obtained with the proceeds of crime.

The judge also ruled that “various individuals who responded to previous temporary seizure orders requiring interested parties to show cause why the property should not be permanently seized failed to prove their ownership of the affected property with credible evidence.”

Of the 23 properties listed in the schedule, three are not included.

These are Flat 42C, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Kaduna; Plot 18, F Road, in TPO 462B C of O Kd5469 and Plot C of O Bo/426 Beacon B5086, B5087, B5105, B5104, B5099 Cadastral Zone B05 Utako.

Maina’s wife, Laila, who claims to be a United States citizen, and several of his relatives and associates, including Uwani Usman, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu Wambai, Haruna Mu’azu Musa, and Aliyu Abdullahi, have claimed ownership of the 23 properties.

The EFCC had earlier obtained an interim seizure order on 23 properties linked to Maina, who is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence for a N2 billion pension fraud.

READ ALSO: Appeals Court Upholds Maina Money Laundering Investigation Ruling

In his ruling, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with EFCC counsel Farouk Abdullah that those claiming ownership of the property had failed to effectively prove their alleged ownership by providing credible evidence.

He said: “It is a legal cliche that civil cases in wanton larceny depend on a preponderance of the evidence.

“Once again, I am of the opinion that the respondents have failed miserably to tilt the scales of the weight of evidence in their favour.

“Overall, based on the facts and detailed documentary evidence relied upon by the applicant (EFCC) in support of this application for final forfeiture, I am of the view that the burden of proof indeed shifts to the plaintiffs to prove through convincing documentary evidence, the sequential trail of their financial origins leading to the accumulation and acquisition of the above-mentioned properties which are the subject of provisional forfeiture.

“In view of the serious failure of the plaintiffs (Maina, his wife and his associates) to show good and credible reasons regarding their legitimate income history, I hereby find strong grounds in the petitioner’s application for final forfeiture of properties Nos: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23 listed in schedule one, annexed to the interim forfeiture order, except properties Nos: 3, 14 and 20. I order accordingly.”

The affected properties are located in Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna State and Kano State.

Included is Plot No: 965 Gwarimpa District 1, Cadastral Zone: CO2, covered by C of O No: 1afew-fe28z-63a5r-e36eu-10.

– Duplex is located at No: 16 A Katuru Road, Kaduna.

– 52B, SMC Quarters, Unguwan Dosa, Lot 016, consists of 3 bedroom semi-detached bungalow.

– Property on Jalan Tola, Badarawa, Kaduna, consists of three bedrooms and undeveloped land.

– Plot Y12, Kano Road, Kawo New Extension, Kaduna.

– A duplex located at No: 21, 52 Crescent, Kubwa Phase 1V area.

– House 8, 211 Road, numbered near FHA/EST/264/TA/032.l, 3 bedroom bungalow.

– Farmland in Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

– Another plantation in Dorawa, Karshi Development Area, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

– Plot 3A, Jalan Sambo, Unguwan Rimi, which has C of O No: KD15452

– Plot MF-27A, New Pasafi Layout, Kuje, Abuja.

– Plot 1B Ajayi Road, Unguwan Rimi, covered by C of O number: NC24059

– Block 23 Flat 2 is located in Life Camp (2 bedroom semi-detached house.

– Property at No: 62 A/C Maternity ward, Damaturu Road, Biu

– Plot 3A, Jalan Sambo, Unguwan Rimi which is protected by C of O No: KD15452 which consists of uncomplicated buildings.

– Plots covered by beacons C of O B426: B5086; B5087; B5105; B5104; B5099 in Cadastral Zone B05, Utako.

– No: 16 Dabai Road, near Mangoro Road, Sokoto State

– .NO. 13 Korau Road, Nasarawa District, Kano.

– Plot 965 Cadastral Zone C02, Gwarimpa, FCT, Abuja.

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