Justice D. D. Longi of the Plateau State High Court, Jos, has ordered the interim forfeiture to the Federal Government of a duplex, two parcels of land and four flats allegedly acquired by the Provost of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, FSMLT, Jos, Plateau State, Dr Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudoh.
The order followed a motion ex-parte by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC seeking interim forfeiture of the said properties, same having being acquired with proceeds of illegal activities.
Etukudo is standing trial alongside Yusuf Samuel, Accountant, FSMLT; Ernest Demtoe, Secretary of Tenders Board, FSMLT; Goodluck Echewa, and Esio Udoh, both contractors of FSMLT, on a 15-count charge of conspiracy, official corruption and diversion of FSMLT funds to the tune of N359million.
Details of the properties to be forfeited are: A duplex situated at No. 1 Senator John Mbatu Crescent (Plot 240) Andi Kan Beulah Estate, Phase 2, Kafe, Abuja; Four flats situated at No. 2 Edem Urua Road, Off Nudo Udoma Avenue, Itam Ikot Ebia Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; a parcel of land measuring 4,183.560 square meters situated at Ediene Ikot Obio Imo, Abak Road, Uyo and another parcel of land measuring 2,657.686 square meters at Defarmco Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
It would be recalled that the prosecution had on Thursday February 22, 2018 presented its first witness, Ethel Ekam, a former staff of the FSMLT, who narrated how Etukudo and his accomplices mismanaged N359million FSMLT funds and tendered relevant documents to back up the claim.
However, attempts by the defence counsel to pose questions to the witness relating to a document was objected to by the prosecution as the document referred to was not in an admissible form.
In the meantime, the matter has been adjourned to May 31 and June 1, 2018 from the earlier adjourned date of April 19 – 20, 2018 for cross-examination of the PW1 and continuation of trial.
