Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Sunflower Hotel Linked to Ex-NOUN VC Amidst Fraud Allegations
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of a multi-million-naira property in Kaduna State. Sunflower Hotel Ltd., connected to former Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Vincent Tenebe.
The court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, issued this order following an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged financial misconduct during Tenebe’s tenure.
The forfeiture case, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/33/2024, lists Sunflower Hotel Ltd. as the respondent. This property, located on Sunflower Crescent, Unguwan Maigero Road in Kaduna, is believed to have been financed with funds illicitly siphoned from NOUN, implicating Tenebe in a conspiracy involving the misappropriation of public funds.
This court decision comes after a February 16 interim order was granted, enabling the EFCC to preserve the property pending further investigation.
The investigation began in December 2022 after receiving intelligence on a conspiracy involving the diversion of public funds and criminal breach of trust. The scheme allegedly involved Tenebe, alongside former Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Chairman Monday Onyeme and Crossbill International Ltd. owner Adamu Danlami. According to Dare Opeyemi, an EFCC operative, Onyeme, during his time as NOUN’s Bursar, conspired with university staff to channel funds into companies where he held interests, with Crossbill International Ltd. receiving a significant share.
The investigation revealed that Crossbill International Ltd. transferred large sums to entities, including Sunflower Hotel Ltd., Wanone Investment Ltd., Tanadi Ltd., and Namutane Foundation. Account statements from companies like Blacksnow Ltd. and Eno Global Services Nigeria Ltd. showed extensive transactions linked to Tenebe, with N275 million of misappropriated funds reportedly directed toward completing the construction of Sunflower Hotel Ltd.
Although Tenebe was not a registered director or shareholder of Sunflower Hotel Ltd., the EFCC’s evidence indicated that he used diverted funds to acquire and finish construction on the hotel. The hotel, initially an incomplete structure owned by Tenebe’s brother-in-law, Yakubu Mamman Akhagbeme, became a focal point of the EFCC’s case, with evidence suggesting it was a front for funds misused from NOUN.
The court had initially granted an interim preservation order on February 16, 2024, directing the EFCC to publicize the forfeiture notice in national newspapers and on its website to alert any potential claimants. Despite the extensive efforts to inform the public, no parties came forward to claim ownership of Sunflower Hotel Ltd. during the stipulated period, further supporting the EFCC’s assertion of its illicit acquisition.
After fulfilling the publication requirements, the EFCC filed a motion on notice on June 21, 2024, for the property’s final forfeiture. The EFCC argued that transferring Sunflower Hotel Ltd. to the Federal Government served the public interest, allowing the government to reclaim assets presumed lost due to corruption.
In his final ruling, Justice Ekwo declared, “Order is hereby made forfeiting the property set out in the attached schedule, found in possession of the respondent, as properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The forfeiture of Sunflower Hotel Ltd. marks a critical victory in the fight against corruption, underscoring the importance of accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. The EFCC’s pursuit of justice in this case exemplifies its dedication to uncovering financial impropriety, restoring public trust, and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to transparency. The property will now be managed by the Federal Government on behalf of the National Open University of Nigeria, closing a chapter on this high-profile case and setting a precedent for similar investigations in the future.
