Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of ₦1.1bn Linked to Kano Funds Scandal
By Erewunmi Peace
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of ₦1.1 billion allegedly linked to irregular withdrawals from the Kano State Federation Account.
The order was granted following an ex parte application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which claimed that the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the ICPC had presented sufficient grounds to justify the interim forfeiture of the funds pending further investigation and determination of the case. The court directed that the money be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Nwite also ordered that the forfeiture notice be publicly published, inviting any interested party to appear before the court and show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited.
According to the ICPC, the money was allegedly withdrawn from the Kano State account in a manner that raised serious concerns over compliance with financial regulations and due process.
The court adjourned the matter to January 21, 2026, for a report on compliance with its orders and for further proceedings.
The case forms part of ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to strengthen financial accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
