Saraki’s Ikoyi Houses Not Bought With Illicit Funds – Court Rules
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday refuse to grant the forfeiture order request brought before it the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
The Court presided over by Justice Liman Mohammed, while refusing the request of the EFCC for a forfeiture Order on the Ikoyi houses owned by Dr Bukola Saraki, ruled that the houses were not purchased with illicit fund or proceed of illegal activity as claimed by the anti-graft agency.
Justice Mohammed also ruled that the EFCC did not provide any proof that the money with which the houses located on McDonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos were bought came from any establishment related to the Kwara State Government.
The trial Judge specifically ruled that the Houses were purchased with a credit facility granted Saraki by the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) as proved by Saraki.
The Court noted that case before it was not criminal in nature like the Supreme Court case under reference.
Justice Mohammed Liman therefore adjourn the case till September 29, 2020 for continuation.
Going by the ruling of Justice Mohammed, the Federal High Court ruling is in line with an earlier judgement of the Supreme Court in the Asset declaration case instituted against Dr. Saraki by the Federal Government in which the same property were listed.