The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the government final forfeiture of all assets owned by Anthony Hassan, a former Director of Finance and Accounts in the Federal Ministry of Health, including NOK University, Gwasmyen Water Factory, Gwasmyen Event Centre, and Gwasmyen International Hotel in Kaduna State.
Recalls that the court granted an interim forfeiture of the assets on June 1, 2022.
According to a statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Saturday, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, proved beyond all reasonable doubt that Anthony Hassan built the NOK University and other assets with proceeds from unlawful activities traced to him.
The university’s surrendered physical assets include the Senate building, the ICT building, the Faculty of Medicine building, the Science Deanery building, two academic buildings, a faculty hall and other buildings.
In Kaduna State, the Gwasmyen Water Factory, Gwasmyen Event Centre, and Gwasmyen International Hotel have all been forfeited.
The EFCC, through its investigative officer, Adaora Asabe Oragudosi, investigated some verified intelligence relating to criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office, and money laundering against some Federal Ministry of Health employees, with the properties ordered forfeited being traced to the defendant.
Delivering judgment on the matter on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled: “The apex court has held that any person who lives above his means owes the society some explanations. The burden lies on the accused to justify properties acquired which are disproportionate to his known legitimate earnings. It is in law that forfeitures are hinged on preponderance of evidence.
“Again, I hold that the respondent has failed woefully in tilting the scale of evidence in his favour. It is a principle of law that oral evidence cannot contradict or supersede documentary evidence because documentary evidence speaks for itself.”
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