Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of Emefiele’s Assets

Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered an interim forfeiture of sums totaling $4,719,054 and N830,875,611, as well as several properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.

Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the order on Thursday following an ex-parte application by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Bilkisu Buhari and C.C Chineye.

The forfeited funds are warehoused in First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank, operated by various individuals and companies.

The properties forfeited to the Federal Government include a 94-unit building under construction in Ikoyi, Lagos, and several other properties in Lekki, Lagos, and other locations.

Justice Bogoro held: “I have listened to the submission of the applicant’s counsel and also perused the motion just moved, together with the affidavit in support. I find merit in the application and same is hereby granted as prayed. The applicant should publish this order in any daily newspaper circulating all over the federation for anybody interested to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made. Case adjourned to July 2, for motion for final forfeiture.”

The EFCC’s application sought an interim forfeiture of the funds and properties pending the conclusion of investigations and potential prosecution.