A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of 49,700 Dollars recovered from Dr. Nura Ali, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State. The ruling marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat electoral corruption.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite following a motion filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The agency argued that the funds—discovered during a joint search operation with the Department of State Services (DSS) at Dr. Ali’s residence in Kano—were suspected to be bribes received during his tenure overseeing elections.
According to the ICPC, the seized amount was held in U.S. dollars, a currency not used for official remuneration by INEC. The agency maintained that Dr. Ali failed to provide a legitimate explanation for the origin of the money, prompting suspicions that it was linked to illicit activities during his time in office.
The court had previously issued an interim forfeiture order in December 2024, allowing time for investigation and public notification. A notice was published inviting any interested parties to come forward and claim the funds. However, no claimant emerged, strengthening the ICPC’s case for permanent forfeiture.
Justice Nwite ruled that the application was “meritorious,” and ordered the funds to be permanently forfeited to the Nigerian government. The decision underscores the judiciary’s role in reinforcing accountability and transparency in public service, especially within electoral institutions.
Reacting to the ruling, ICPC spokesperson Azuka Ogugua stated that the judgment sends a clear message about the consequences of abusing public office. “This reinforces the principle that public office is a trust, not a trading post. We will continue to pursue accountability at all levels,” she said.
Civil society organizations also welcomed the decision. Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, described the ruling as “a small but important win in the fight against electoral corruption.” She emphasized that the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
However, governance experts say asset forfeiture alone is not enough. Dr. Amina Yusuf, a political analyst at the University of Lagos, argued that “while this ruling is a deterrent, it must be accompanied by transparent prosecutions and institutional safeguards to prevent recurrence.” She called for broader reforms within INEC and Nigeria’s electoral framework.
As of this report, Dr. Nura Ali has not issued any public statement regarding the court’s decision. No criminal charges have been announced, and it remains unclear whether further legal action will follow the forfeiture.
The case has reignited public debate about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system. With elections often marred by allegations of bribery and manipulation, the permanent seizure of foreign currency from a top electoral official serve as both a warning and a call to strengthen democratic accountability
