EFCC moves to seize Aluko’s properties in US, Switzerland

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has approached the United States of America and Switzerland for the enforcement of an interim forfeiture order on over 10 properties traced to Kolawole Aluko in both countries.

Aluko, said to be the Chief Officer and an Executive Director of Atlantic Energy, allegedly conspired with former minister of Petroleum Resources Deizani Alison-Madueke to fleece the Nigeria oil sector.

Daily Trust gathered from a source close to the investigation that the order obtained from a Nigerian court in June 2016 ordered the temporary forfeiture of most of the properties and assets traced to Aluko in Switzerland and the United States.

Aluko’s properties sought for permanent forfeiture in the United States include; 952 North Alpine Drive, Beverly Hills California 80210, USA and 755 Sarbonne road, Los Angeles Carlifornia 90077, USA.

Some are: 157 West 57th Street, New York 10028, USA; 1049 fifth Avenue New York 10028, USA and 815 Cima Del Mundo Road Santa Barbara California 93108, USA.

Others are: 1948 Tollis Avenue Santa Barbara California 93108, USA and 807 Cima Del Mundo Road Santa Barbara California 93108, USA.

Properties earmarked for forfeiture in Switzerland include; Vila Magio 6 Montagnola 6926, Colina D’Oro Montagnola, Switzerland; Vila Floridiana via Cantonale 17 and 6948 Porza Lugano, Switzerland.

“The EFCC is communicating with the US and Swiss authorities so as to get the interim forfeiture order given in Suit No. FHN/ABJ/CS/228/16 registered for enforcement in both the United States and Switzerland,” a highly placed source said.

Daily Trust gathered that the Mutual Legal Assistance Letters to both countries are being processed and would be sent to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation once it is approved.

Already, the source said a team from the EFCC is due in the United States and Switzerland any time from now to harmonize the details of the letter.

It was noted that Aluko, who is said to be citizen of both countries, further complicates the assets forfeiture process.

Sources hinted that Aluko has already made attempts to sell some of the properties in the United States.