A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of $1.3 million allegedly linked to a Lagos socialite, Aisha Achimugu, in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation.
The order followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which argued that the funds were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court directed that the money be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
According to the anti-graft agency, the funds were traced to accounts associated with the socialite and her affiliated entities, raising concerns over the legitimacy of the transactions.
The EFCC told the court that the forfeiture was necessary to prevent the dissipation of the funds while investigations continue.
The court also ordered that the interim forfeiture be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested parties to come forward and show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited.
The case forms part of a broader probe into alleged financial crimes linked to high-profile individuals and business entities.
