NPA seizes Nigerian fugitive's property
2012-10-23 18:42
Johannesburg - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has seized R200 000 worth of a fugitive Nigerian businessman's goods, it said on Tuesday.
"The [Free State] Bloemfontein High Court has granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit [AFU] in the NPA a forfeiture order in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act," the NPA said in a statement. The order was made on Tuesday.
Emeka Peter Oraeki was found to be in possession of suspected stolen goods.
"Assets attached include diamonds, digital cameras, a GPS, watches, chains, rings, earrings and bracelets, old money coins in different currencies and a flat-screen television, all valued at approximately R200 000."
These items represented the proceeds of unlawful activities, the court found.
Oraeki was arrested in 2010 when he was found in possession of suspected stolen goods.
He claims the items had been acquired through his business, Morris Gold and Diamond Exchange.
This explanation was found to be false.
"Further investigations revealed that Oraeki had no record of the items anywhere in his business," the NPA said.
Owners who had lost items through theft, robbery and housebreaking had come forward to identify and claim the goods.
Oraeki was charged with theft, alternatively possession of suspected stolen property, and was released on R5 000 bail.
Charges against him were initially provisionally withdrawn. Oraeki had fled by the time the case was reinstated in March.
"His residence in Bayswater was found deserted and his whereabouts are still unknown. A warrant for his arrest has been issued and is in circulation," the NPA said.
- SAPA
