A U.S. court has ordered the seizure of a luxury California property linked to Paulinus Okoronkwo, a Nigerian-American and former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The move follows Okoronkwo’s September conviction for receiving a $2.1 million bribe while in office, highlighting ongoing international efforts to tackle corruption in the oil and gas sector.
The case centers on a bribe allegedly paid by Addax Petroleum, a Switzerland-based subsidiary of China’s state-owned Sinopec, in exchange for favorable drilling rights in Nigeria. Investigations revealed that the payment, made in October 2015, was routed through Okoronkwo’s law firm trust account in Los Angeles and disguised as consultancy fees. Prosecutors allege that Addax executives falsified records, misled auditors, and dismissed employees who raised concerns about the transaction.
The former NNPC boss used almost $1 million of the bribe money to pay for a luxury home in Valencia, California. He did not report this income on his 2015 tax returns, breaking U.S. tax laws. Judge John Walter issued the forfeiture order on October 3. He confirmed the property was directly connected to Okoronkwo’s crimes, including money laundering.
The court ruled that all of Okoronkwo’s rights to the Valencia property now belong to the U.S. government. A public notice allows anyone with a legal claim to file a petition within 60 days. Okoronkwo will face sentencing on December 1. He could receive prison time and additional financial penalties.
This case has gained attention in both Nigeria and the U.S. It shows how anti-corruption efforts can reach across borders. The case also highlights the importance of transparency in international business. Authorities can track and seize assets obtained illegally. The seizure of Okoronkwo’s home is a clear reminder that corruption has serious legal and financial consequences, even internationally.
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