Reps panel summons Navy, Police, others over recovered assets

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Public Assets, which is investigating the management of seized, forfeited and recovered assets, has summoned the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service to appear before it next week.

Also summoned to appear before the panel, which is undertaking a comprehensive audit of recovered assets in the country, is the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The chairman of the sub-committee, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, announced the summons at the panel’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday at the National Assembly.

Osonwa, who described the assignment as an important national responsibility, noted that the management, disposal and utilisation of seized, forfeited and recovered assets had remained issues of public concern and institutional scrutiny across successive administrations.

According to him, there have been persistent questions about the transparency of asset recovery processes, coordination among government agencies and the eventual disposition of recovered properties.

He stated: “Across various administrations, questions have persisted regarding transparency, coordination, and the integrity of processes governing assets seized or forfeited through anti-corruption efforts, criminal justice actions, and administrative enforcement.

“These concerns are not merely technical; they strike at the heart of public trust, institutional credibility, and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.”

Osonwa explained that the sub-committee had been mandated to undertake a comprehensive audit to establish a clear, accurate and verifiable record of all seized, forfeited and recovered assets held, controlled or managed by relevant government institutions.

“The sub-committee has the opportunity to recommend reforms that will close long-standing loopholes, modernise asset management systems, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship.

“Our work can help ensure that recovered assets truly serve the public interest, whether through restitution, reinvestment, or national development priorities,” the lawmaker stated.