Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Wednesday following an unopposed motion by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

ICPC counsel Osuobeni Akponimisingha told the court that the agency had published a public notice as required by an interim forfeiture order issued on December 30, 2024, but no claimant or interested party came forward.

“We seek final forfeiture of the $49,700 to the federal government, as all processes from interim stage have been complied with and no opposition filed,” Akponimisingha submitted.

Ruling, Justice Nwite held: “The application is meritorious. It is hereby granted.”The funds were seized by the Department of State Services (DSS) from Ali’s Kano residence during a joint operation with the ICPC. 

An affidavit stated the money was part of a $150,000 “gift” Ali admitted receiving from former Sokoto governors Aminu Tambuwal and Aliyu Wamakko funds he claimed but failed to declare as required by law.

INEC does not pay staff in foreign currency, and investigators described the cash as suspected proceeds of unlawful activity.

The court had earlier ordered the money deposited in a CBN escrow account and mandated a 90-day probe into Ali’s conduct. With no challenges, the forfeiture is now final.