A federal high court sitting in Lagos has ordered the forfeiture a plot of land in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, belonging to Diezani Madueke, a former minister of petroleum resources.

The presiding judge, Chuka Obiozor, made the forfeiture order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the anti-graft agency who revealed this to the judge, the land, “measuring 7,903.71 – 8,029.585 square metres” and designated as Plot 9, Azikiwe Road, Old GRA (UAC Property on Forces Avenue), Port Harcourt, was reasonably suspected to part of proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission asked the court for an order to allow it to appoint a competent person or firm to manage the asset/property.

It urged the court to prohibit any disposal, conveyance, mortgage, lease, sale or alienation or otherwise of the asset/property.

Ebuka Okongwu, counsel for the EFCC, argued that the judge had the power, pursuant to section 17 of the advance fee fraud and other related offences Act 2006, to make the forfeiture order.

After listening to the lawyer, Obiozor granted the forfeiture order as prayed by the lawyer.

Recall that ast week, the court had ordered the forfeiture of jewellery and a customised gold iPhone belonging to Diezani, which the items were valued at $40 million.