Justice A.R Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, 24, 2022 ordered the final forfeiture of the sum of N116, 000,000 (One Hundred and Sixteen Million Naira only), alleged to be proceeds of crimes, linked to the non- execution of constituency projects awarded to Hamza Barau and Hamshakin Ventures Ltd, funded by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN on behalf of some former federal law makers.
An investigation by the EFCC, showed that Hamza Barau and Hamshakin Ventures Ltd actually collected a Certificate of Job Completion issued by SWEDAN and shared the project funds with the legislators, through whom the constituency projects were allotted.
The legislators are: Hon. Herman Hembe; Hon. Benjamin Aboho, Hon. Udende Emmanuel and Hon. Orker-Jev.
Others are Hon. Abubarkar Mahmud Wambai and Hon. Anthony Madawatte, all former members of the House of Representatives.
The constituency projects involved the execution of Strategic Empowerment Programme in Akko, Gombe State, conduct of Pilot Seasonal Intervention Programme in Vandeikya/Konshisha, Benue State, execution of Strategic Empowerment Programme in Katsina-Ala/Logo/Ukum, Benue State, Intervention Programme for Ailing Enterprises in Vaneikya/Konshisha, Benue State and the supply of Motorcycles in Kiyawa, Jigawa State.
The Court had in October 14, 2019 ordered the interim forfeiture of the said amount, following an ex parte application by the EFCC, which was published in some national dailies.
Justice Mohammed granted the order of Final Forfeiture of the money, while ruling on an application brought by the EFCC, through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.
In his judgment, Justice Mohammed noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had proven beyond reasonable doubts, that the said amount are proceeds of crimes as contained in the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011, and in the absence of no objection, he ordered that the N116million be forfeited to the Federal Government.
