By Nkechi Eze
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the final forfeiture of N3,444,000,000 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Four Million Naira) and three properties tied to Salihu Nuhu Jamari, former Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Gas and Power Investment Company Limited.
Justice J.O. Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Tuesday, following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 17, 2026. The properties include an uncompleted six-bedroom semi-detached duplex with boys’ quarters at Plot 3168, Asokoro District, Abuja; a two-bedroom flat at Block 2, Apartment AI, Block EFG, Osborne II, Ikoyi, Lagos; and a restaurant at Plot 102, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
The court had previously granted an interim forfeiture order on February 25, 2026, directing publication in a national newspaper to allow any interested party to challenge the seizure. After reviewing the matter, Justice Abdulmalik held that the EFCC’s application had merit and ordered the assets be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The forfeited funds and properties form part of a high-profile case involving conspiracy, kickbacks, bribery, and money laundering by NNPC staff and contractors. Investigations revealed that Jamari, while serving as Managing Director, used his influence through his private companies, Cumulus Energy Limited and Pius and Phillips Petroleum Limited, to receive illicit kickbacks from three contractors awarded major NNPC projects.
The ruling marks a significant victory in the EFCC’s ongoing fight against corruption and financial misconduct within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accountability and the recovery of stolen public assets.
