Court Forfeits Hawker 800XP Jet Linked to NNPC Maiduguri Power Project Scandal

Breaking EFCC

Court Permanently Forfeits Private Jet to Federal Government Over NNPC Power Project Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has permanently forfeited a Hawker 800XP private jet to the Nigerian government after the EFCC linked the aircraft to alleged money laundering and corruption tied to NNPC’s $114 million Maiduguri Emergency Power Project.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a final forfeiture order against a Hawker 125 model 800XP private jet allegedly acquired with funds diverted from the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project (MEPP).

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, granted the final forfeiture order on Monday, permanently transferring ownership of the aircraft to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The aircraft, bearing serial number 258553 and Nigerian registration number 5N-AMK, was registered under Valiente Jet Limited — a company allegedly linked to Alhaji Abdulsalam Mustapha Kachallah, a former Chairman of the Borno State Rural Electrification Board.

Key Facts

• Aircraft: Hawker 125, Model 800XP
• Registration: 5N-AMK
• Judge: Justice Emeka Nwite
• Court: Federal High Court, Abuja
• Project: Maiduguri Emergency Power Project
• Contract Value: $114.1 million + ₦23.1 billion
• Amount Traced to Jet Purchase: $2.07 million

Court Findings

Justice Nwite ruled that Valiente Jet Limited failed to provide credible evidence showing the lawful origin of the funds used to acquire the aircraft.

“The interested party has not demonstrated with evidence the lawful origin of the funds used to purchase the aircraft.”

The court also held that the aircraft was acquired using the identity of a Bureau De Change operator who reportedly denied knowledge of the transaction, strengthening the EFCC’s case that the acquisition process was unlawful.

The final order followed an interim forfeiture granted on November 13, 2025, after which the EFCC published notices inviting interested parties to challenge the seizure.

How the Alleged Fraud Happened

According to court documents and affidavits filed by EFCC investigator Aminu Abdullahi, the commission uncovered an alleged scheme involving conspiracy, money laundering, and abuse of office linked to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project.

Investigators said NNPC Limited awarded contracts under the project in 2021 worth approximately $114,148,155 and ₦23,172,969,904.

Kachallah allegedly used his position within the project steering committee to facilitate corrupt arrangements involving China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC).

EFCC investigators alleged that privileged bidding information was secretly shared with CMEC, helping the company secure three contracts worth approximately $52.1 million and ₦20.2 billion.

Alleged Money Trail

1. CMEC allegedly secured contracts after receiving insider bidding information.
2. $2.07 million was transferred into the account of Afuwa Integrated Services Limited.
3. Investigators alleged fabricated invoices were created to disguise the transfers.
4. The funds were reportedly wired to Brazil to purchase the aircraft.
5. Ownership documents were allegedly forged before the jet was transferred to Valiente Jet Limited.

Legal Battle

During proceedings held on April 30, 2026, EFCC counsel Iheanacho Ekele (SAN) and O.S. Ujam argued that Kachallah violated provisions of the ICPC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

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Kachallah’s legal team, led by M.E. Oru (SAN), argued that he should be treated separately from the companies involved and maintained that the payments were tied to legitimate consultancy arrangements.

However, the court rejected the arguments and upheld the EFCC’s application for permanent forfeiture.

Implications

The ruling represents one of the most significant civil asset recovery actions connected to NNPC contracting processes in recent years.

The judgment is also seen as a major anti-corruption victory for the EFCC, particularly in cases involving asset tracing, public procurement fraud, and money laundering through corporate structures.

Sources familiar with the matter say investigations linked to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project are still ongoing and may lead to additional prosecutions or forfeiture proceeding.