The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of two properties owned by Aminu Garunbaba, a staff member of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to the Federal Government.
The forfeited properties include:
- A four-bedroom terrace maisonette with a boys’ quarters located at Barumark Groove Estate, Wuye District, Abuja, purchased under the name MYZ Venture.
- A residential property at No. 5 Lodge Road, Kano State.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who delivered the ruling, stated that Garunbaba failed to provide credible documentation for the acquisition of the properties and could not prove that the funds used were legitimately earned. “A person cannot be allowed to benefit from illegitimate acts,” the judge emphasized.
The court dismissed Garunbaba’s preliminary objections, ruling that he failed to meet the burden of proof as required under the Evidence Act.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the suit, asserting that the properties were proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC maintained that Garunbaba conspired with other FIRS officials to misappropriate public funds under the guise of Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) for trips that never occurred.
According to the investigation, Garunbaba fraudulently received approximately ₦341,971,960.00 and converted significant portions into US dollars through a Bureau de Change operator. He also allegedly distributed substantial sums to other FIRS staff involved in the scheme and personally applied for and collected DTA payments for fictitious assignments.
The court affirmed that the EFCC acted within its authority under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act to seek forfeiture.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to combating public sector corruption and reinforces the principle of accountability within government institutions.
