The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has secured its first international asset forfeiture after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of a high-value property in the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday on behalf of CCB Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Bello, the bureau said the London property at No. 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, NW2 7SX, is linked to the estate of the late Gen. Jeremiah Useni, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The judgment followed forfeiture proceedings instituted by the CCB and, the bureau said, represents a “historic breakthrough” in Nigeria’s asset recovery framework. The bureau described the ruling as reinforcing the principle that public accountability transcends national boundaries.
The CCB said it has taken steps to secure the asset and repatriate any proceeds, formally requesting the Attorney-General of the Federation to activate Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) mechanisms between Nigeria and the UK to ensure recognition and enforcement of the Nigerian court order abroad and to vest the property in the appropriate authority.
“The process will also facilitate the lawful disposal of the asset and ensure the repatriation of proceeds to Nigeria, in line with international recovery frameworks,” the bureau added.
Attributing the outcome to intelligence-led enforcement and international cooperation, the CCB said the forfeiture sends a clear message that assets acquired through breaches of public trust are not safe even when concealed overseas. The bureau reiterated its commitment to enforcing asset-declaration laws and preventing the abuse of public office.
