The House of Representatives has commenced move to strip the President of the powers to order the forfeiture of moveable and immovable assets and to vest such powers in the courts.

The House passed for second reading a Bill seeking to Amend the Currency Conversion (Freezing Orders) Act Cap. C43, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to give discretionary powers to the judge of a High Court to order forfeiture of assets of culpable persons.

Leading a debate on the general principles of the Bill, its sponsor and Deputy Speaker AHMED IDRIS WASE said the discretionary powers previously granted to the President by the Principal Act would be replaced by that of a High Court judge as such powers could be abused by the President.

The Deputy Speaker averred that the provision for forfeiture in the laws is geared towards ensuring that persons found guilty of offences do not benefit from the proceeds of those offences.