Ladipo Sanusi/
A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Tuesday, ordered the temporary forfeiture of a hotel, belonging to one Ebiesuwa Fredrick, to the federal government over an alleged N53.7 million fraud.
Justice (Prof.) Chuka Obiozor authorised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take over Victoria East Park Hotel and Suites, located along Igbogbo-Bayeku Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, for 21 days to enable it conclude investigation of the alleged fraud.
The EFCC, in an ex-parte application, informed the court that it believed the hotel was acquired with proceeds from fraud and described suspect as the ringleader of an advance fee fraud syndicate with bases in Ibadan and Lagos.
The EFCC lawyer, Ayanfeoluwa Ogunsina, told the court that the anti-graft agency sought to take over the hotel to prevent the suspect and his cohorts from disposing of it while investigation was still going on, thereby, “defeating the end of justice”.
The EFCC lawyer said the agency was investigating Fredrick and members of his syndicate, who were still at large, based on a petition it received from one Dunni Olagbegi, who claimed to have been duped N53.7m by the suspects.
The EFCC, in an affidavit in support of the ex-parte application, deposed to by one of its investigating officers, Chris Odofin, said “the antics of these fraudsters include luring people into their criminal den, where one of them poses as a pastor. They later hypotise their victims and make them take an oath never to reveal whatever they say or do, before using all sorts of deceitful methods to collect money from them”.
The affidavit further stated: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the respondent (Fredrick) is a member of the syndicate of fraudsters that specialise in duping unsuspecting members of the society and have duped several people through this means and are still on the prowl, seeking more people to devour.
“The respondent and some members of his syndicate are based in Ibadan while they also have accomplices in Lagos.
“They launder the proceeds of their criminal activities through acquisition of landed properties within and outside Ibadan, with a view to legitimising and integrating their ill-gotten wealth into the mainstream economy, despite the fact that they have no legitimate sources of income.”
After listening to the EFCC lawyer, Justice Obiozor, in a short ruling, granted the application, empowering the anti-graft agency to take over the property for 21 days.
The judge also directed the EFCC to display the court order in a conspicuous place on the premises of the hotel.
He adjourned proceedings till August 9.
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