Former custom chief returns N1bn loot, mansion to FG (photo)

Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko has been returning money to the federal government following his release by the EFCC

 A mansion that also belonged to him in Abuja was also forfeited to the EFCC 

Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko who served as comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) between 2009 and 2015 has returned about N1.4 billion to the federal government. 

The Punch reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) established that about N40 billion was diverted from the account of the NCS while he was in charge.

He was arrested by EFCC operatives but due to poor health, he was released. 

The money was drawn from proceeds of the seven per cent cost of collection and one per cent comprehensive import supervision scheme.

An EFCC source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Dikko has been returning money to the government. “So far, Dikko has returned over N1bn. He returned N1bn and then N4m. He is still expected to return more money.” 

Earlier in the year, a mansion in Abuja belonging to the former customs boss and valued at N2 billion was seized by the EFCC. He is also believed to own properties in Dubai and Katsina. 

AN EFCC source said: “The EFCC Act Section 71 (b) gives us the power to commence investigations into the property of any person if it appears to the EFCC that the person’s lifestyle and extent of properties are not justified by law.

“Section 28 says concerning those arrested under the Act, the commission will immediately trace and attach all the assets and seizures of such a person which have been acquired. 

“Section 29 permits the assets of a person arrested under Section 28 to be seized by the state. “Dikko was a customs officer and served for about 30 years. He has to explain where he got the money to buy a mansion of N2bn.” 

Meanwhile, the EFCC may seize some houses belonging to Federal High Court Judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, if she fails to explain where she got the money to buy the houses. 

The properties which are located at 18 Lai Ajayi Bembe Street, Parkview Ikoyi, Lagos and another on Atlantic Drive, UPDC Estate, Lekki  worth about N500m Punch newspaper is reporting. The report added that operatives of the EFCC found incriminating documents at the Ikoyi property when it was searched.