Court orders the forfeiture of N75m sent to human rights lawyer, by Gov. Fayose

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The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered a temporary forfeiture of N75million found in the account of an activist-lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN). The account is domiciled in Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). 

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The order followed an application by EFCC. Justice Abdulaziz Anka gave the order based on motion ex-parte filed by the commission. EFCC prayed the court to freeze Ozakhome’s account temporarily on the ground that the N75m was suspected to be proceed of crime. 

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The commission said the lawyer deposited the money last December 15. An EFCC investigator, Tosin Owobo, who swore to an affidavit of urgency, prayed the court to freeze the account for 120 days, pending conclusion of investigation. Justice Anka granted the prayer.

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Ozekhome, however, says the money was a part payment of legal fees by Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose. He said the fund was for legal services he rendered the governor in his personal capacity, and to his aides.