A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary seizure of properties linked to two former directors of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused the former directors of being involved in a N1.4 billion fraud.
Justice Obiora Egwatu granted the order on Thursday after hearing an ex parte motion filed by EFCC’s counsel, Ekene Iheanacho (SAN).
EFCC Links Properties to Fraud Proceeds
The EFCC identified the suspects as Suleiman Bulkwang and Abdullahi Sambo, both former Directors of Finance and Accounts at REA.
The seized properties include a one-hectare plot in Lafia, Nasarawa State, linked to Sambo. The list also features four two-bedroom flats in Kubwa, Abuja, linked to Bulkwang.
EFCC claims Sambo used junior staff to channel government funds into private hands. In March 2023, he allegedly told staff that money would enter their accounts for “project supervision.”
Staff confirmed in their statements that they returned the funds as directed after receiving them via the government’s GIFMIS platform.
EFCC said Sambo approved payments worth N1.48 billion without clearance from REA’s Managing Director. He also ignored the audit process.
Sambo allegedly instructed his aide, Usman Kwakwa, to move the money to his associates and Bureau De Change operators.
According to EFCC, Sambo personally pocketed N742 million. He allegedly used an associate, Danmama Mohammed, to buy the properties.
The EFCC told the court that both suspects agreed to forfeit the properties. The seizure falls under a non-conviction-based forfeiture law.
EFCC lawyer Mary Babatunde asked the court to publish details of the seized properties. She invited interested parties to file objections within 14 days.
Justice Egwatu approved the motion. He scheduled July 7 for a compliance report and possible final forfeiture.
REA Under Investigation
REA, a federal agency that provides electricity to rural areas, has faced multiple fraud investigations.
In March 2024, President Bola Tinubu suspended the Managing Director, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and three Executive Directors.
EFCC, ICPC, and the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption are probing the agency.
These actions followed a petition by the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV).
In November 2024, EFCC charged Bulkwang with five counts of fraud and money laundering involving N223 million.
