EXCLUSIVE: EFCC appeals ruling reversing interim forfeiture of ex-Warri Refinery MD’s properties
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe EFCC is challenging a Federal High Court decision that set aside an interim forfeiture order against properties and funds belonging to former WRPC Managing Director, Jimoh Olasunkanmi Yisawu. The Commission contends that the trial judge ignored evidence of unexplained wealth, while the respondent maintains his assets were acquired through legitimate earnings over a 32-year career.
Context & Background
- ✦The case centers on the EFCC's mandate to investigate and seize assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities by public officers.
- ✦The dispute highlights ongoing legal debates regarding asset declaration requirements for public officers and the evidentiary burden required to prove money laundering in Nigerian courts.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Jimoh Olasunkanmi Yisawu:Former MD of WRPC who claims his assets were acquired through 32 years of lawful service.E.E. Iheanacho, SAN:EFCC counsel who filed the notice of appeal alleging trial court errors.Justice James Omotosho:Federal High Court judge who initially ruled in favor of Yisawu, labeling EFCC evidence as 'flimsy and watery'.
Outlook & Next Steps
The case will proceed to the appellate court where the EFCC seeks to have the trial court's decision set aside and the final forfeiture of the disputed assets granted.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The EFCC has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that dismissed its application for the final forfeiture of assets linked to former WRPC Managing Director, Jimoh Olasunkanmi Yisawu.
- Justice James Omotosho previously ruled that the EFCC failed to prove that Yisawu’s assets were disproportionate to his 32-year career earnings at the NNPC.
- The EFCC alleges that Yisawu made unexplained cash payments of $912,550 (over N1.5 billion) to BDC operators between 2021 and 2025, which they claim are not linked to his lawful income.
Key Facts:32 years: Jimoh Olasunkanmi Yisawu served at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for a total of 32 years.2021-2025: The EFCC alleges the respondent paid $912,550 in cash to BDC operators between 2021 and 2025.N368,894,865.28: Yisawu received a gratuity payment totaling N368,894,865.28 upon his retirement.
Editorial Excerpt
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed against the Federal High Court’s decision to set aside its interim forfeiture order against properties linked to the former Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Jimoh Olasunkanmi Yisawu.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why did the Federal High Court initially dismiss the EFCC's forfeiture application?
Justice James Omotosho held that the EFCC failed to prove that Yisawu's assets were disproportionate to his lawful earnings after 32 years of service at the NNPC.
What is the primary basis for the EFCC's appeal?
The EFCC argues the trial judge erred in law by failing to evaluate evidence showing that Yisawu made large cash payments to BDC operators that could not be traced to his legitimate income, salaries, or gratuity.
