April 09, (THEWILL) — The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has broken new ground by securing its first-ever international asset forfeiture, successfully recovering a high-value property in the United Kingdom linked to the estate of the late Gen. Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The bureau disclosed this historic milestone on Thursday in a statement issued on behalf of CCB Chairman, Abdullahi Bello by the Acting Director of Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management, Fatima Ahmed-Kere.
It described the development as a “historic breakthrough that marks a new era in the nation’s asset recovery framework.”
The property, located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, Neasden, London NW2 7SX, had been linked to Gen. Useni’s estate. Following proceedings instituted by the CCB, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government, affirming that assets acquired through abuse of public office can be reclaimed, even across international borders.
The bureau revealed that it has initiated steps for the physical recovery of the asset and the repatriation of proceeds to Nigeria.
“CCB has formally requested the Attorney-General of the Federation to activate Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) mechanisms between Nigeria and the UK. This will secure recognition and enforcement of the Nigerian court order in the UK and vest the property in the appropriate authority,” the statement read.
The process will also enable the lawful disposal of the asset and ensure that proceeds are repatriated to the country, in line with international recovery frameworks.
“The successful forfeiture sends a clear and compelling message that assets acquired through the breach of public trust are no longer safe, even when concealed overseas,” the bureau emphasized.
CCB attributed the achievement to a renewed focus on intelligence-led enforcement and global cooperation, noting that the case signals a new phase in the bureau’s asset recovery strategy, where accountability follows illicit wealth across jurisdictions.
Reaffirming its commitment to enforcing asset declaration laws and curbing the abuse of public office, the bureau pledged to continue recovering ill-gotten assets both within Nigeria and abroad, further strengthening the nation’s fight against corruption.
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