Court Orders Forfeiture of Multi-Million Naira Hotel Linked to Ex-NOUN VC Prof. Vincent Tenebe
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of Sunflower Hotel Ltd in Kaduna, a property allegedly linked to former National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, to the Federal Government, citing it as proceeds of unlawful activities.
Mary Nwaeze 
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final order for the forfeiture of Sunflower Hotel Ltd., a multi-million naira property in Kaduna State, allegedly linked to Prof. Vincent Tenebe, former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the order following a motion by F.O. Dibang, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court's decision, delivered on October 22, cited the property as one “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” The EFCC filed the motion on June 21, requesting a final forfeiture after an interim order granted in February. The property in question is located at Sunflower Crescent, Unguwan Maigero Road, Narayi, Kaduna.
According to court documents, the EFCC launched an investigation following an intelligence report in December 2022. The report alleged conspiracy, stealing, diversion of public funds, and criminal breach of trust involving Prof. Tenebe and several others, including Monday Onyeme, a former bursar at NOUN. Investigations reportedly revealed that Crossbill International Limited, owned by Adamu Danlami, and other companies received substantial funds allegedly diverted from NOUN accounts.
Further investigation uncovered that Prof. Tenebe allegedly used these funds to purchase and complete the Sunflower Hotel property. EFCC’s affidavit showed that the hotel was originally acquired as an incomplete building from Yakubu Mamman Akhagbeme, Tenebe’s brother-in-law. The affidavit also stated that approximately N275 million was diverted from NOUN accounts toward the hotel's completion.
Justice Ekwo’s ruling included instructions for the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order, giving individuals or entities with potential claims on the property a chance to come forward. After compliance, no claims were received, leading to the final forfeiture ruling.
The EFCC’s counsel argued that the property should remain under federal control in the interest of justice and as a deterrent against similar crimes in the future.
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