The Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has ordered the temporary forfeiture of over ₦1 billion allegedly linked to the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Professor Grace Umezurike, and her aide, Ngene Nwanna Onyeabor.
According to court records, Justice Maurine Onyetenu issued the interim forfeiture order on July 8, 2025, following an ex parte motion brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC alleged that the funds earmarked for the purchase of rice during the 2024 Christmas celebrations were illegally diverted from the Ebonyi State Government’s treasury into six separate accounts at United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Four of these accounts, the agency said, are owned by the SSG, while one account belonging to her aide allegedly received ₦1.014 billion.
The sixth account is registered under the name: Affordable Multi Services Nigeria Limited.
The anti-graft commission requested the court to freeze the accounts for 60 days to allow further investigation and possible prosecution.
It also asked the court to compel the respondents or any party with a claim to the funds to justify why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Onyetenu granted all of the EFCC’s applications.
In response, Governor Francis Nwifuru advised against rushing to conclusions, stressing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.
Speaking at a Sunday church service at the Government House Chapel in Centenary City, Abakaliki, he said, “I received the news of the publication already before the Federal High Court, Uyo. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise.”
The Governor, who is also a lawyer, cautioned against prejudgment, saying, “I am a lawyer, and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment to avoid setting wrong precedents.”
He also suggested that his administration may carry out further changes to its executive team. While acknowledging that the recently conducted minor cabinet reshuffle was based on unmet expectations, he hinted that more dismissals could follow.
“Our vision, as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs, has not been satisfactorily realised,” Nwifuru said.
“That accounted for the minor reshuffle we did recently. We’re still assessing them (officials), and we shall do the needful if the need arises.”
