A High Court sitting in Eket, Akwa Ibom, has ordered the forfeiture of property belonging to an Eket-based businessman, Mr Ndianabasi Udom, over an unpaid debt of ₦52 million.
Justice Pius Idiong, who presided over the case, directed that two vehicles— a Prado SUV with registration number OIA-371AK and a Toyota Camry numbered OIA-372AK—be handed over to the court for sale to offset the debt.
He further ruled that immovable property owned by Udom would be seized if the vehicles failed to generate sufficient proceeds to repay the outstanding amount.
The judge cited Udom’s consistent absence from court and failure to mount a defence as evidence of culpability and disinterest in contesting the claim.
“The defendant’s absence is a clear sign of lack of interest. I agree that the defendant has no defence to this action; otherwise, he would have done the needful,” he said.
The suit was filed by Mr Iniobong Idem, who claimed that Udom borrowed the money in 2022 under an agreement to repay with interest, but defaulted after three months.
Speaking to journalists, Idem said Udom had obtained the loan on the claim that he had a government contract in Akwa Ibom.
“He told me that he needed money to implement the contract. When I made efforts to get the money back, he started abusing and threatening me. I am happy that a day like this has come,” he said.
Efforts to reach Udom for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to messages.
(NAN)