Court Orders Forfeiture Of N1.3 Billion In Alleged Kaduna Scandal

In a stunning legal development, the Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the temporary forfeiture of a staggering N1,373,180,510.07, after it was allegedly diverted into the private account of Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited.

In its ruling, the court has taken the unusual step of requiring the applicant to publish a notice in two national newspapers, giving all interested parties—be they individuals, organizations, or entities a chance to explain why the funds should not be permanently seized by the Federal Government.

This ex parte order, granted by Justice G. M. Kabara on February 28, 2025, follows an application lodged on February 14, 2025, marking the latest chapter in a high-profile investigation.

According to court documents, the enormous sum was seized and transferred into the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) “recovery account,” held at the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

This action is part of an ongoing investigation targeting officials of the Kaduna State Government, relating to alleged misconduct that spans nearly a decade, from 2015 to 2023.

The Federal Government of Nigeria is pursuing the case under suit FHC/KD/C5/28/2025, with Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited named as the defendant. 

The legal action is based on sections 17(1)(2)(3) and (4) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, as well as charges under multiple sections of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, and Section 6(6)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The case is scheduled for further proceedings on April 8, 2025, as the court grapples with one of the largest financial scandals to rock Kaduna in recent years.