The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of $2.04 million and seven properties connected to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele.
This decision follows an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating Emefiele for alleged fraudulent activities.
Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the interim forfeiture to prevent the dissipation of assets suspected to be acquired through illegal means. The properties include prime real estate in Lekki and Ikoyi, Lagos, and a large industrial complex in Agbor, Delta State. The court also ordered the forfeiture of two share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, a company allegedly linked to Emefiele.
EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo argued that these assets were obtained through fraud and should be preserved to prevent further dissipation. The interim forfeiture is granted under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44 (2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
EFCC investigator Idi Musa testified that the properties were acquired through shell companies linked to Emefiele for money laundering. Evidence, including title documents and company seals, was recovered during searches. Musa stated that funds from fraudulent activities were invested in these properties.
Justice Aluko has directed the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order in a national newspaper and has given 14 days for any interested parties to contest the order. The case will continue on September 5, 2024.
This forfeiture is the latest in a series of actions against Emefiele, who is facing multiple corruption charges. Previous forfeiture orders in May included $1.4 million, $4.7 million, and properties, with a separate permanent order for properties worth N12.18 billion.
