A Federal High Court in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, presided over by Justice Maurine Onyetenu, has granted an order for the interim forfeiture of over N1 billion allegedly linked to Grace Umezurike, the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, and her aide, Ngene Nwanna Onyeabor.
Justice Onyetenu granted the forfeiture order on July 8, 2025, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Listed as first and second respondents in the suit were Mrs Umezurike, a professor, and her aide, Mr Onyeabor.
The EFCC alleged that both officials diverted public funds from the treasury of the Ebonyi State Government into six accounts domiciled in the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Four of the affected accounts are reportedly owned by the SSG, while a fifth, owned by the aide, allegedly received N1.014 billion.
The sixth account is said to be in the name of Affordable Multi Services Nigeria Limited.
The funds in question were reportedly earmarked for the purchase of rice for Ebonyi residents during the 2024 Christmas celebrations.
In its ex parte motion, the EFCC urged the court to order the interim forfeiture of the monies in the accounts for 60 days, pending final determination of the case.
The anti-graft agency also asked the court to compel the respondents, or any interested parties, to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
It also sought an order mandating the SSG and her aide to publish notices so interested persons could be informed before the court’s final decision.
After listening to the counsel to the EFCC, Justice Onyetenu granted all the prayers of the commission, according to the certified court documents.
In his reaction to the Court decision, Governor Francis Nwifuru said that a trained lawyer, his administration would not rush to any conclusions.
Nwifuru, who spoke during a church service on Sunday at the Government House Chapel, Centenary City, Abakaliki, stressed the need to await the outcome of investigations.
In his words; “I received the news of the publication already before the Federal High Court, Uyo. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise.
“I am a lawyer, and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgement to avoid setting wrong precedents,” he said.
The Governor however, hinted of a potential cabinet reshuffle, stressing that underperforming officials might be shown the door.
According to him; “Our vision, as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs, has not been satisfactorily realised”.
