Tinubu: Crime Proceeds Must Follow Legal Process, Disbursement Requires FEC and NASS Approval

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all proceeds derived from criminal activities must be handled strictly in accordance with the law, warning that any attempt to divert such funds without due process would violate the 1999 Constitution.

Referring to Subsection 4 of the Constitution, Tinubu said any bill seeking to redirect recovered assets outside the established legal framework would contradict constitutional provisions.

He emphasized that, under current law, all proceeds of crime must be deposited into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

According to the president, disbursement of these funds to relevant government agencies involved in recoveries can only occur with his direct authorization — and must also receive the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly.

Tinubu’s clarification comes amid ongoing debates around asset recovery and the proposed management of confiscated funds.