For allegedly using his official position to corruptly enrich himself, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State is set to lose a multi-million property in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the Federal Government.
The governor’s travails followed investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged abuse of office during his tenure as the FCT Minister.
A statement signed by the ICPC Spokesperson, Mrs Rasheedat A. Okoduwa, read thus: “Pursuant to its powers contained in Section 45 (4) (a-c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has seized a multi-million naira property belonging to the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Mohammed, formerly Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The property which houses Zinaria International School is located at Plot 298 Wuye District, Cadastral Zone B3, FCT, Abuja.
“ICPC’s intelligence-led investigation revealed that Senator Mohammed, in his official capacity as the FCT Minister, had allocated the said property to a school that had himself and family members as directors and share holders, despite an existing right of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture over the land.
“To this end, the Commission will issue notices of seizure and shall cause them to be served on the appropriate land registry, ministry and department where the property is situated as required by law.
“Senator Mohammed had earlier been charged for using his office to confer corrupt advantage upon himself and relations under Section 19 of ICPC law but could not be arraigned before he was sworn in as Governor of Bauchi State.
“In view of the provisions of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the charge which was pending before Hon. Justice Senchi of FCT High Court 13, Jabi, was withdrawn by the Commission to forestall its being struck out by the court suo moto.
“Following the notice of seizure, the Commission will apply to the court for an order of forfeiture under Section 48 of the ICPC Act in line with the Federal Government Policy focusing on recovery of proceeds of crime, pending when the tenure of the governor expires.”
Signed: Mrs. Rasheedat A. Okoduwa, mni Spokesperson for the Commission
