FORFEITURE OF ASSETS (CERTAIN PERSONS) ACT, 1999
Act · Security
Policy date: 1999-01-01
An Act mandates the forfeiture of assets acquired through corrupt means by certain individuals. It targets those individuals and government agencies responsible for recovery. This aims to reclaim public funds misappropriated during past regimes.
FORFEITURE OF ASSETS (CERTAIN PERSONS) ACT, 1999
What Is This Policy?
A 1999 Act passed by the outgoing military government providing for the forfeiture of assets by certain named individuals who acquired assets from public funds through corrupt means during the military era.
Who Does It Target?
Persons named in the Act as subject to forfeiture EFCC and relevant agencies managing forfeited assets Federal High Court
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Recover assets acquired corruptly from public funds by officials of the military government before the transition to democracy.
Key Features
Named Forfeiture: Names specific individuals whose assets derived from public funds are forfeited. Asset Recovery: Provides for the recovery and management of forfeited assets. Transition Context: Part of the military-to-civilian transition accountability measures.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Historical — forfeiture proceedings completed Coverage: Named individuals Beneficiaries: Recovery of public assets Funding: Not applicable
How to Access
Historical reference — proceedings completed Engage EFCC for current asset recovery operations Application method: Historical document.
Important Terms
This Act was a transitional accountability measure at the end of military rule Some forfeitures were challenged in court with mixed outcomes EFCC handles current asset recovery under more comprehensive anti-corruption legislation
Official Resources
Website: https://www.efcc.gov.ng Contact: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Legal Framework
The Forfeiture of Assets (Certain Persons) Act 1999 is recognized under Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution as an existing law enacted by the outgoing military government. It operates alongside the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act 2000. Nigeria's obligations under the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption provide normative context.