Following allegations of financial misconduct, Justice Inyang Ekwo of The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the permanent confiscation of Sunflower Hotel Ltd, a multi-million-naira property in Kaduna State connected to the former Vice Chancellor ,National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Vincent Tenebe to the Federal Government
The court issued an order On October 22, granting permanent seizure of the land property which was filed on June 21 and moved by F.O. Dibang, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In his judgement Justice Ekwo announced that, “Order is hereby made forfeiting the property set out in the attached schedule, found in possession of the respondent, as properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The court issued an interim preservation order on February 16 to temporarily safeguard Sunflower Hotel Ltd., instructing the EFCC to advertise the ruling within 14 days through national newspapers and on its website to alert any individuals or bodies with evidence of property ownership to present themselves.
In an Affidavit presented by EFCC official, Dare Opeyemi stated that the commission received December 2022 Intelligence involving former Chairman, Delta State Board Of Internal Revenue and Former Bursar, Noun,Monday Onyeme and the owner, Cross bill international limited, Adamu Danlami over suspected conspiracy, theft and public fund diversion.
According to findings, there had been a conspiracy involving Onyeme then NOUN Bursar with selected members of staff, in diverting university funds to companies in which he held interests, notably Crossbill International Ltd.
It was further discovered that Crossbill International Ltd. channeled misappropriated NOUN funds to Wanone Investment Ltd., Tanadi Ltd., Namutane Foundation and Sunflower Hotel Ltd.
To support allegations, EFCC presented evidence which included the account statements from Blacksnow Ltd., Eno Global Services Nigeria Ltd. and Crossbill International Ltd., detailing transfers and withdrawals.
It was also revealed that Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe was linked to all entities mentioned in the affidavit, with N275,081,896.09 from his account financing Sunflower Hotel Ltd’s construction, an initially incomplete structure he acquired from his brother-in-law, Yakubu Mamman Akhagbeme, in Kaduna.
Further investigation revealed that Prof. Tenebe was neither a director nor shareholder of Sunflower Hotel Ltd but used funds allegedly derived from NOUN to acquire and complete the hotel. The company’s directors, according to Corporate Affairs Commission documents, were found not to own the hotel.
In adherence to the court’s directive, the EFCC issued a public notice on 5 March and filed an affidavit of compliance with no ownership dispute arise within the publication period.
However , in motion for final forfeiture, the commission emphasized the public interest justification for Federal Government assumption of property control and management, benefiting the National Open University.
In the case FHC/ABJ/CS/33/2024, the EFCC seeks resolution against Sunflower Hotel Ltd, located in Kaduna State at Sunflower Crescent, Unguwan Maigero Road, Narayi.
Eniola Jolaoso