The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has held its first disposal exercise of properties that have been forfeited to the Federal Government.
It would be recalled that the Commission had, on the 14th October, 2022, placed an advertisement on its website for the disposal of forfeited assets which include schools, recreation centres, buildings, undeveloped lands and motor vehicles.
The process for the disposal, which is in line with the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA) signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 12th of May, 2022, had started with a bid opening to select auctioneers on November 4 2022. This was followed by financial bids opening exercise for pre-qualified auctioneers shortlisted for the disposal of forfeited assets.
At the auctioning of the vehicles held in Abuja, the Commission, through the auctioning company, Samurira Integrated Services Limited conducted the disposal of twelve (12) vehicles to interested bidders. Some of the cars include: Range Rover Evoque SUV, Lexus ES350 Saloon Car, Lexus RX350 SUV, Toyota Venza Crossover, Toyota Corolla Saloon Car, Toyota Camry, Pontiac Vibe 2009, Peugeot 406 saloon car amongst others.
The Commission also auctioned a recreational centre, a shopping mall and a night club located at Abacha Road, Mararaba, Nasarawa State as well as a four (4) bedroom duplex located at Jenew Homes, Cadastral Zone, Karsana South District, Abuja.
Speaking after the exercise, the Managing Director of Samurira Integrated Services Limited, Hajiya Salamatu Abdullahi, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the bidding process just as she commended the ICPC for its transparent and non-interference posture throughout the auctioning process.
“The bidding process was successful and every participant was satisfied. It was an open bidding and there was no bias or handpicking of anyone. I am happy about the outcome because everything was transparent. I am happy with the way ICPC handled everything. They were transparent and I will say they are worthy of emulation” she emphasized.
On his part, Mr. Emmanuel Ewa, the Managing Director of Two-4-Seven Modernise Limited, the company that supervised the auctioning of the duplex in Abuja expressed satisfaction with the handling of whole process.
“With the ICPC, you have to make sure that your process is satisfactory so that it can be approved. What we have done today is actually good, the process is very clear and transparent”, he added.
“I will urge others who don’t know the process to learn from ICPC. In my opinion, I have been an auctioneer for almost twenty-three (23) years now. ICPC method of auctioning is one of the best and I have heard also that other agencies of government are following the footsteps of ICPC from what we have just completed” he submitted.