The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 26 to rule on the final forfeiture of a London property linked to the late Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Useni, a retired Lieutenant-General of the Nigerian Army, died in January 2025, but legal proceedings connected to assets allegedly linked to him have continued after his death.
The court’s decision date followed the failure of any representative of Useni’s estate to appear within the statutory 14-day window to challenge the forfeiture of the property.
The case was initiated by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which filed an ex parte application in late 2025 seeking interim forfeiture and preservation of the property.
The CCB alleged that the London house was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activity and should therefore be forfeited to the Federal Government.
On November 28, Justice Binta Nyako granted an interim forfeiture order and directed that the decision be advertised to allow interested parties to prove legitimate ownership.
The property in question is located at 79 Randall Avenue, London, and has been associated with Useni through earlier ownership and management claims.
In related proceedings before a UK First Tier Tribunal, Useni was described as a long-time associate and property manager connected to the disputed house.
The tribunal later dismissed all ownership claims tied to the property, ruling that the alleged original owners linked to it did not exist.
With no formal response from Useni’s estate, the Abuja court is now set to determine whether the property will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
SOURCE: CHANNELS TV
