Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of $49,700 recovered from a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Sokoto State, Dr Nura Ali.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling Wednesday after counsel to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osuobeni Akponimisingha, requested the final forfeiture of the seized funds.
The ICPC told the court that the money was recovered during a joint operation with the Department of State Services at Ali’s residence.
The agency alleged that the dollars were linked to bribes received while he served as electoral commissioner.
The court noted that an earlier interim forfeiture order was advertised inviting claims, but no one appeared to contest ownership within the stipulated time.
In granting the application, Justice Nwite held that Ali failed to provide a lawful explanation for possessing the funds. “The application is meritorious and is hereby granted,” he ruled.
The ICPC argued that INEC payments are made in naira only, making the dollar cash suspicious. The Commission said the ruling reinforces accountability in election administration.
The funds will now be transferred to the Federal Government.
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