Posted by By PETRUS OBI, Enugu on
Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived Enugu Wednesday and commenced the process of confiscating properties belonging to the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani in line with the order of a Federal High Court, Lagos.
Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived Enugu Wednesday and commenced the process of confiscating properties belonging to the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani in line with the order of a Federal High Court, Lagos.
The EFCC operatives from Abuja, accompanied officials of an estate management firm, Jide Taiwo and Co to Enugu for the enforcement of the order Wednesday but officials of the commission refused to comment on the issue.
At Rainbownet Limited, it was learnt that some EFCC officials came to the premises with representatives of Biya Consultants for the purpose of taking over the company.
They reportedly left the premises few minutes after informing the management team of their mission to the company.
EFCC Media Officer in Enugu Zone, Blessing Ekeleme, confirmed on telephone that some officials of the commission were in town on a special assignment but declined further details regarding the take over of Nnamani's properties.
Mr. Igbonekwu Ogazimorah, an aide to the former governor expressed surprise on the development which he said ran contrary to the disposition of the present administration on the enforcement of rule of law in all spheres.
'If our current disposition is for the enthronement of the rule of law, it hardly makes sense for the EFCC or anybody to act ahead of the matter already disputed in court. Unless what the EFCC is saying is that they confirm an attitude of total disregard to the course of justice, opting for lawlessness," Ogazimorah said in a text message to media enquiry, yesterday.
Nnamani's lawyers, Ifeanyi Nwoga and Chris Uche (SAN) could not be reached as at the time of filing this report, but sources said the legal team was considering a return to court to challenge the action of the commission, which they viewed as 'prejudicial".
Nnamani, who is now a Senator, is standing trial before a Lagos Federal High Court over alleged looting of the state's funds to the tune of N64 billion. Although he was granted bail, formal trial of the case has been slated for next month
Among the former governor's companies stormed by EFCC operatives were, Rainbownet Telecommunication Company, Cosmos FM station, Capital Autos and Renaissance Hospital.
His other investments located at his Agbani community, like the Renaissance University and Mea Mata Elizabeth High School have also been slated to be taken over on Friday, as management consultants have already been appointed for the various companies.
The EFCC's Head of Operations, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde was said to have endorsed the Power Attorney dated September 7, 2007 and issued to the consultancy firms for the management of the companies on behalf of the Federal Government.
ENDS