Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, a senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has forfeited a $2.5 million luxury mansion in Los Angeles, California, to the United States government following his conviction for money laundering.
A preliminary order of forfeiture, signed on 3 October 2025 by Judge John Walter of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, directed that Mr. Okoronkwo’s rights and interest in the property at 25340 Twin Oaks Place, Valencia, be seized and transferred to the U.S. government.
Court documents reveal that the mansion, identified as Tract Number 45433, Lot 12, with Assessor’s Parcel Number 2826-143-004, was acquired using proceeds from illegal financial transactions that violated U.S. money laundering laws. The conviction covered three counts of money laundering filed by U.S. prosecutors.
The court found a “requisite nexus” between the offenses and the California property, making it eligible for forfeiture. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Su, who led the case, stated that the government had the authority to seize and dispose of the asset under federal forfeiture laws.
The order also authorises the U.S. Attorney General to liquidate the mansion and notify any third parties with potential claims. The forfeiture will become final upon sentencing and form part of Mr. Okoronkwo’s punishment.
The case, United States of America v. Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo (Case No. 2:24-CR-20(A)-JFW), is part of a wider U.S. federal investigation into international financial crimes involving politically exposed persons from Nigeria and other countries.
Mr. Okoronkwo’s forfeiture adds to a growing list of Nigerian officials whose properties in the U.S. have been seized after being linked to illicit funds and offshore money movements.
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