From Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has seized a multi-million naira landed property belonging to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state.
Bala was a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Spokesperson of the ICPC, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, in a statement yesterday said that the property which houses Zinaria International School is located at Plot 298 Wuye District, Cadastral Zone B3, FCT, Abuja.
“ICPC’s intelligence-led investigation revealed that Bala in his official capacity as the FCT Minister had allocated the said property to a school that had himself and family members as directors and shareholders, despite an existing right of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture over the land.
“To this end, the commission will issue notices of seizure and shall cause them to be served on the appropriate land registry, ministry and department where the property is situated as required by law,” she said.
Okoduwa added that Bala had earlier been charged for using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself and relations under Section 19 of ICPC law.
She added that he could not be arraigned before he was sworn in as governor of Bauchi State.
“In view of the provisions of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the charge which was pending before Hon. Justice Senchi of FCT High Court 13, Jabi, was withdrawn by the commission to forestall it’s being struck out by the court suo moto.
“Following the notice of seizure, the commission will apply to the court for an order of forfeiture under Section 48 of the ICPC Act.
“This is in line with the Federal Government Policy focusing on the recovery of proceeds of crime, pending when the tenure of the governor expires.’’
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
