ICPC uncovers $919,200 in ‘hidden account of court officials in Rivers’

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered $919,202.07 hidden in a bank account allegedly operated by officials of the federal high court in Rivers state.

The commission said the discovery followed a petition against some officials of the federal high court in Port Harcourt over allegations of corruption.

Upon investigation by ICPC officials in Rivers state, the money was said to have been discovered hidden in an interest-yielding account allegedly run by the court officials.

The ICPC through Agada Akogwu, its lawyer, then filed an interim order of forfeiture of the money, which was granted by Mohammed Sanni of the federal high court, pending the final hearing on the matter.

According to a statement by the ICPC on Monday, the judge ruled that the court order directing the interim forfeiture of the money should be published in any newspaper within 14 working days for anyone claiming ownership to come forward with proof.

“The orders of the court directing the interim forfeiture shall be published in any daily newspaper within 14 working days for any person interested in the said property sought to be forfeited to appear before the court to show cause why the final forfeiture orders be not made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Sanni was quoted to have said.

The case has been adjourned till December 14, 2020 for reports and final forfeiture hearing.