Society Gists

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has sealed a mansion allegedly belonging to a former Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission, Henry Ogiri.

The EFCC said in a Facebook post that the house, which is located at 28, New Heaven Estate, New GRA, Port Harcourt, was seized as part of investigation into the alleged N3bn scam involving George Turnah, a godson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Turnah was also the Personal Assistant to the ex-Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr. Dan Abia.

The EFCC wrote, “The EFCC has sealed a property belonging to Henry Ogiri as part of the ongoing investigation of George Turnah. The property is located at 28, New Heaven Estate, off Tombia Street, New GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He is being investigated for conspiracy, stealing, OBT (Obtaining Money under False Pretences) and money laundering.”

The EFCC had in May seized two properties from Turnah who is standing trial for an alleged N3bn fraud.

The anti-graft agency also froze about seven bank accounts through which the suspect, Turnah, allegedly received billions of naira.

The EFCC said, “The EFCC has taken over some bank accounts and properties traced to a former Special Adviser to Dan Abia, erstwhile managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. George Turnah.

“The confiscation was done sequel to an interim forfeiture order granted the commission by a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. One of the properties covered by the forfeiture order and which had been attached by the EFCC is a massive complete building known as “Kolo Villa” in Kolo Town, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Other properties will soon be attached.

Justice Ibrahim Watilat granted the interim forfeiture order based on an application filed before the court by the EFCC’s counsel, Adebola Olatunji.

Turnah, together with seven companies, were arraigned on 12 charges bordering on obtaining by false pretences, money laundering and abuse of office to the tune of N3, 094, 268, 235.69.

The seven companies arraigned with Turnah are: El Godmas Global Services Limited; Turnoil and Gas Nigeria Limited; Kolo Creek Petroleum Development Limited; Celtic Pride Consult and Events; Yenagoa Mall; Adaka Boro Marine Services Limited; and Sugarland Integrated Farms Nigeria Limited.