EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of Jet Linked to NNPC Power Project Probe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order for the final forfeiture of a Hawker 800XP private jet allegedly purchased with proceeds of fraud linked to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project (MEPP).

Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the order on Monday after ruling that the claimant, Valiente Jet Limited, didn't show sufficient cause why the aircraft shouldn't be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

The aircraft, with registration number 5N-AMK and serial number 258553, was forfeited following an application filed by the EFCC. In his ruling, Mr Nwite held that Valiente Jet Limited failed to establish the lawful source of the funds used to acquire the jet.

The court had earlier issued an interim forfeiture order on 13 November 2025 and directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper for interested parties to show cause why the jet shouldn't be permanently forfeited.

Following the publication, Valiente Limited, linked to Abdulsalam Mustapha Kachallah, filed affidavits opposing the final forfeiture. Abdulsalam Mustapha Kachallah is a former chairman of the Borno State Rural Electrification Board and a member of the steering committee of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project.

An EFCC investigator, Aminu Abdullahi, told the court that the commission received intelligence reports alleging conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and money laundering involving Mr Kachallah.

According to the EFCC, investigations showed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited awarded contracts under the project in 2021 valued at $114.1 million and N23.17 billion.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Mr Kachallah used his position and relationship with NNPC officials to engage in illicit dealings connected to the contracts.

The interested party hasn't demonstrated with evidence the lawful origin of the funds used to purchase the aircraft, said Judge Emeka Nwite.

The EFCC further alleged that Mr Kachallah entered into unlawful arrangements with China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC) through companies linked to him and allegedly supplied privileged bidding information in exchange for financial inducements.

CMEC later secured three contracts under the project worth $52.1 million and N20.2 billion. Part of the funds was routed through Afuwa Integrated Services Limited, a Bureau De Change operator allegedly presented as a subcontractor to CMEC.

The EFCC stated that CMEC transferred $2.07 million into the Stanbic IBTC Bank account of Afuwa Integrated Services Limited on the instruction of Mr Kachallah.

The EFCC also alleged that forged invoices were prepared in the name of the company to give the impression that legitimate services had been rendered to CMEC.

The funds were later transferred to a Brazilian account and used to purchase the aircraft from a Brazilian company.

The EFCC further alleged that Mr Kachallah initially acquired the aircraft through Afuwa Integrated Services Limited before transferring ownership documents to Valiente Jet Limited, another company allegedly linked to him.

At the hearing on 30 April, EFCC lawyer Iheanacho Ekele, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and O.S. Ujam argued that Mr Kachallah's actions violated provisions of the ICPC Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

The EFCC maintained that evidence before the court showed Mr Kachallah was a public officer appointed by the Borno State Government.

Mr Kachallah's lawyer, M.E. Oru, also a SAN, argued that his client was separate from the companies involved in the transactions and challenged the admissibility of some documents attached to the EFCC's affidavit.

The Maiduguri Emergency Power Project was initiated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address years of electricity shortages in Borno State following the destruction of power infrastructure by insurgents.

The ruling comes amid broader EFCC investigations into alleged financial misconduct linked to major public sector projects and former officials associated with the state-owned oil company.

The EFCC secured a court order for the final forfeiture of a Hawker 800XP private jet. The jet was allegedly purchased with proceeds of fraud linked to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project. The aircraft has a registration number of 5N-AMK and a serial number of 258553. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited awarded contracts under the project in 2021 valued at $114.1 million and N23.17 billion. CMEC secured three contracts under the project worth $52.1 million and N20.2 billion. The EFCC alleged that Mr Kachallah used his position to engage in illicit dealings connected to the contracts.

The EFCC will now take possession of the aircraft. This ruling is a major development in the EFCC's investigation into the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project because it allows the agency to seize a significant asset allegedly linked to corruption.

The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in public sector projects. It also underscores the importance of the EFCC's role in investigating and prosecuting cases of financial misconduct.

The final forfeiture of the jet is a major victory for the EFCC in its fight against corruption. It sends a strong message that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable.

As the EFCC continues to investigate and prosecute cases of financial misconduct, it's likely that more high-profile cases will come to light. The agency's efforts are crucial in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria's public sector.

In the coming days and weeks, the EFCC is expected to provide more information about its investigation into the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project. The agency may also announce further developments in the case, including any additional arrests or charges.

The Nigerian government has pledged to support the EFCC's efforts to combat corruption. The government has also announced plans to implement reforms aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector.

The final forfeiture of the jet is a major step forward in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. It demonstrates the EFCC's commitment to investigating and prosecuting cases of financial misconduct, and it highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the public sector.

The case is likely to have significant implications for the Nigerian government and the state-owned oil company. It may also lead to reforms aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector.

The Nigerian people will be watching the case closely, and they'll be expecting the EFCC to continue its efforts to combat corruption. The agency's success in securing the final forfeiture of the jet is a major victory, and it's a testament to the EFCC's commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria's public sector.

The EFCC's investigation and prosecution of this case wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Nigerian government and the judiciary. The agency's work is crucial in ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable, and that the public sector is transparent and accountable.

The fight against corruption in Nigeria requires the efforts of all stakeholders, including the government, the judiciary, and the public. The EFCC's success in this case is a significant step forward, and it's a reminder that corruption won't be tolerated in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government and the EFCC must continue to work together to promote transparency and accountability in the public sector. They must also ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable, and that the public sector is free from corruption.

The final forfeiture of the jet is a significant development in the EFCC's investigation into the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project. It's a reminder that the agency is committed to investigating and prosecuting cases of financial misconduct, and that it won't tolerate corruption in Nigeria's public sector.

The EFCC's investigation and prosecution of this case have shown that the agency is capable of holding those who engage in corrupt practices accountable. It's a significant step forward in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, and it's a testament to the EFCC's commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector.

The Nigerian people can expect the EFCC to continue its efforts to combat corruption. The agency will likely investigate and prosecute more cases of financial misconduct, and it will work to ensure that the public sector is transparent and accountable.

The final forfeiture of the jet is a major victory for the EFCC, and it's a significant step forward in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The agency's success in this case is a reminder that corruption won't be tolerated in Nigeria, and that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable.