A convicted drug baron, Okenwa Chris Nzewi, has forfeited his multi-million-naira mansion located at K-5A/2 Road 14, Victoria Garden City (VGC) estate, Lekki area of Lagos, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Nzewi lost the mansion, used as clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, following his successful prosecution and conviction in court by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
Trouble started for Okenwa after he was arrested along with his associate, Sunny Okeh Ukah on 30th July 2022.
He was subsequently arraigned on four counts in charge number FHC/L/527C/2022 at the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Okenwa and his associate pleaded guilty on 17th July, 2023, while they were convicted and sentenced to four and three years imprisonment each with an option of fine of four million (N4,000,000) naira and three million (N3,000,000) naira respectively in addition to community service for four and three weeks each. His vehicle marked EKY 496 DJ was equally forfeited to the Federal Government.
To further deny him of enjoying the proceeds of his criminal activity, the NDLEA filed a civil forfeiture charge against the building used as clandestine laboratory at the Federal High Court Lagos which initially granted an interim forfeiture order that elapsed on 6th December before the final forfeiture on 7th December 2023.
Reacting to the development on Sunday, Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended officers of the Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services for their diligent prosecution of cases in court.
He charged them to continue to work hard to ensure no criminal go scot free.