Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja is set to make a crucial decision on November 1, 2023, regarding an application made by Andrew Yakubu, the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Yakubu is seeking the release of $9.8 million in cash that was confiscated from his Kaduna residence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) back in 2017.
Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja had dismissed money laundering charges against Yakubu on March 31, 2022, following the discovery of $9,772,800 (9.7 million dollars) and £74,000 in an apartment connected to him in 2017. Despite this dismissal, the EFCC has held onto the seized funds, which Yakubu claims violates the existing court order.
Using an originating summons, Yakubu has petitioned the court to either order the release of the money or, as an alternative, direct that the funds be placed in the custody of the Federal High Court Registrar until the case is resolved.
The final hearing of this case took place on Monday, and now, all eyes are on Justice Inyang Ekwo’s decision, which is scheduled for November 1.
