Accused Billionaire Drug Baron, Afam Ukatu, Loses N20 billion Accounts To Gov’t Agency

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken over the 103 bank accounts belonging to chairman of Mallinson group of companies, Afam Ukatu, amid drug allegation.

Recall that Ukatu had been arrested on April 13, 2022, over alleged connection with the N3 billion tramadol deal linked to suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Abba Kyari. 

The 103 bank accounts belonging to Ukatu, who was arrested on a flight from Lagos to Abuja, is said to have N20 billion. In August 2022, the NDLEA obtained a Post No Debit court order. 

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed this on Thursday, also disclosing that on August 29, about 25 properties owned by Ukatu were seized, as the agency proceed with its 23-count charges, FCT/ABJ/CR/320/2022, dated August 4, against the businessman. 

The charges were also filed against his companies; Fruitroprics Industries Limited, Urban Space Services Limited, Mallinson and Partners Limited, NISPO Oil and Gas Limited, MBL Multi-links Services Limited, NISPO Porcelain Company Limited. 

In the case before a federal high court in Abuja, Ukatu was accused of money laundering, which consist of conversion of N123.8 million, alleged to be money from an illicit activity, through United Bank for Africa domiciled account no. 1006588563, owned by Fruitropics Industries Limited. 

Another UBA account belonging to Mallinson and Partners Limited, was also alleged to have been used to convert N1.447 billion between January 1, 2018, and September 23, 2021. 

Part of the allegations include NISPO Porcelain Company Limited reportedly converting proceeds of crime worth N57,436,206. The Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) prohibits the allegations against Ukatu, and also punishable under the law.