WorldStage– Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), a Nigerian government agency responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct for public officers has secured its first-ever international asset forfeiture involving a high-value property in the UK, located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London NW2 7SX.
The property was linked to the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, and was acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government, citing that Useni’s legitimate income was insufficient to fund the acquisition.
The CCB’s investigation revealed a significant gap between Useni’s declared earnings and the property’s value, indicating potential fraud or illicit accumulation of wealth.
The bureau in a statement on Thursday said this is a major anti-corruption milestone .
The statement issued on behalf of the CCB Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Bello, by the Acting Director, Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management, Dr Fatima Ahmed-Kere said that the property, situated at No. 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London NW2 7SX, was linked to the estate of late Gen. Jeremiah Useni, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
It recalled that a Federal High Court, Abuja Division, ordered the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government.
The Bureau described the court’s ruling as a “historic breakthrough that marks a new era in the nation’s asset recovery framework”.
According to CCB, the judgment, which followed forfeiture proceedings it instituted, reinforces the principle that public accountability transcends national boundaries.
The bureau said it had initiated steps to ensure the physical recovery of the asset and the repatriation of its proceeds.
”CCB has formally requested the Attorney-General of the Federation to activate Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) mechanisms between Nigeria and the UK.
“The MLA activation is intended to secure the recognition and enforcement of the Nigerian court order within the UK and vest the property in the appropriate authority.
”The process will also facilitate the lawful disposal of the asset and ensure the repatriation of proceeds to Nigeria, in line with international recovery frameworks.
“The successful forfeiture sends a clear and compelling message that assets acquired through the breach of public trust are no longer safe, even when concealed overseas,” CCB stated.
The Bureau attributed the landmark achievement to its renewed strategic focus on intelligence-led enforcement and global cooperation.
”This landmark case signals a new phase in the bureau’s asset recovery structure in which accountability follows illicit wealth across jurisdictions,” the CCB stated.
Reaffirming its mandate, the bureau pledged to remain resolute in enforcing asset declaration laws and preventing the abuse of public office.
