By Tayo Alabi
A former governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari has appealed a federal high court ruling which says he should forfeit $669,248 and N24.3 million to the federal government.
A statement by his spokesperson, Mayowa Oluwabiyi on Sunday in Abuja refuted reports that the former governor has finally forfeited the money to the federal government, saying the court gave him 14 days to show cause why he should not forfeit the money.
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja last Tuesday ordered a final forfeiture of N284, 306, 294.04 linked to Yari, to the Federal Government.
The money was said to have been lodged with Zenith Bank and Polaris Bank.
Justice Ojukwu, who gave the final forfeiture order, said Yari could not prove how he made the huge sum of money while or before serving as governor of the state (between May 29, 2011 and May 29, 2019).
According to Oluwabiyi, the former governor had no reason to fear because he declared all the companies and businesses he had to the Code of Conduct Bureau on assumption of office.
The statement further said that the CCB had cleared all the businesses.
It added that the ex-governor’s legal team has already begun the process of appealing the judgement at the court of appeal.
The statement further enjoined members of the public to await the final determination of the case and expressed optimism that it will vindicate the former governor.
