A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interim possession of three high-value properties worth N1.2 billion allegedly acquired through fraudulent means by Erondu Uchenna Erondu, a former Abia State government official. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order following an ex parte application by EFCC counsel Charles Oni, who disclosed the assets were suspected proceeds from a N28 billion public funds diversion scheme during Erondu’s tenure as a senior aide between 2007-2010.
The seized properties include a N400 million 4-bedroom bungalow and N300 million 3-bedroom bungalow in Umuahia, alongside a N500 million 5-bedroom mansion in Abuja’s upscale Guzape district. Court documents reveal the EFCC traced the assets through open-source intelligence as part of an ongoing probe into alleged money laundering, impersonation, and abuse of office involving multiple state officials.
Justice Nwite authorized the anti-graft agency to publish forfeiture notices in Daily Trust and on its website, giving potential claimants 14 days to contest the seizure. The judge scheduled May 26, 2025, for compliance verification, noting the application’s merit under Sections 34 of the EFCC Act and provisions of the Money Laundering Act.
EFCC investigators allege the diverted funds originated from illegal withdrawals from Abia State coffers during the specified period. The commission maintains the temporary confiscation aligns with its mandate to recover illicit wealth and deter financial crimes, with the 30-day probe expected to yield additional evidence for potential prosecution.
