A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has ordered a former aide to Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and current state lawmaker, Erondu Uchenna, along with three others, to surrender their travel permits within 48 hours. This order was given by Honourable Justice Kawu while ruling in an ex-parte application brought by Chidiebere Ojukwu, a concerned Abia indigene.
The application alleges looting of funds meant for the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State, totalling over N500 billion, between May 2019 and May 2023 by the Defendants. Also joined in the suit are Rt. Hon. Prince Christopher Enweremadu, Deaconess Joy Nwanju, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Defendants.
The Court ordered the Defendants to declare on oath and file with the Registry of the Court various documents, including lists of companies they have interest in, evidence of filing Annual Returns, Audited Financial Statements, and lists of bank accounts and properties.
The Court also ordered the Defendants to deposit their international travel documents, including passports and travel permits, with the Registry of the Court pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. The hearing of the Motion on Notice has been adjourned to 9th December, 2024.
The Claimant is seeking declarations that the Defendants are personally liable to refund the looted funds and that their activities warrant the exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the EFCC. The Claimant is also seeking orders directing the Defendants to return the looted funds and for the EFCC to prosecute the Defendant
