FORFEITURE OF ASSETS (RELEASE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY, ETC.) ACT, 1991

An Act provides for the release of assets previously forfeited under earlier laws after a review of individual cases. It targets persons whose assets were seized and involves the Federal Government and courts in the process. This aims to reverse improper forfeitures from past legislation.

What Is This Policy?

A 1991 Act providing for the release of certain assets previously forfeited under the various Forfeiture of Assets Acts, following review of individual cases and determination that the forfeiture should be reversed.

Who Does It Target?

Persons whose assets were previously forfeited under earlier forfeiture acts Federal Government managing the release process Federal High Court overseeing the process

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Provide a lawful mechanism for returning assets found to have been improperly or excessively forfeited under earlier military-era forfeiture legislation.

Key Features

Release Framework: Provides procedures for identifying and releasing eligible forfeited assets. Compensation: May include compensation for foregone use of assets during forfeiture. Case Review: Each case is reviewed on its specific facts before release is ordered. Legal Certainty: Provides legal certainty for the release of specific assets.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Historical — releases completed Coverage: Named forfeited assets Beneficiaries: Former asset holders whose properties are released Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Historical reference — proceedings completed Application method: Historical.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.agf.gov.ng Contact: Office of the Attorney General of the Federation

Legal Framework

The Forfeiture of Assets (Release of Certain Property) Act 1991 is recognized under Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution as an existing law. It operated within the military-era forfeiture framework and has been superseded for new cases by the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022. Nigeria's UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) obligations on asset recovery and the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative guidelines provide the international normative context.