A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim forfeiture of $2.04 million and seven properties connected to the former Central Bank of Nigeria chief, Godwin Emefiele, who is currently embroiled in legal issues.
On Thursday, Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the order in response to a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating alleged fraudulent activities associated with Emefiele.
The properties under scrutiny include valuable real estate holdings in Lekki and Ikoyi, Lagos, as well as a significant industrial complex under development in Agbor, Delta State.
Justice Aluko emphasized the need for the interim forfeiture to prevent the dissipation of assets suspected to be derived from illegal activities.
According to him, “The assets identified in this application are reasonably believed to have been procured through illicit means.”
Among the properties listed are two detached duplexes at No. 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; an undeveloped land parcel on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi; a bungalow on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; a four-bedroom duplex on Probyn Road, Ikoyi; an industrial complex in Agbor, Delta State; eight apartments on Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi; and a duplex on Bank Road, Ikoyi.
Aside from the properties, the court also ordered the interim forfeiture of two share certificates from Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, a company allegedly associated with Emefiele.
Rotimi Oyedepo, representing the EFCC, argued that the assets were acquired through fraudulent means and urged the court to grant the application to prevent further dissipation.
Following the grant of the interim forfeiture order, Justice Aluko instructed the EFCC to publish the directive in a national newspaper and allowed a 14-day window for interested parties to challenge the forfeiture to the Federal Government.
The next hearing on the case is scheduled for September 5, 2024.
This recent forfeiture adds to a series of orders obtained by the anti-graft agency against Emefiele, who faces multiple allegations of corruption.
Previously, on May 29, 2024, the same Federal High Court ordered the forfeiture of $1.4 million associated with the embattled former CBN governor.
Earlier in May, on the 23rd, the EFCC secured forfeiture orders relating to $4.7 million, N830 million, and additional properties connected to Emefiele.
Furthermore, there was a separate permanent forfeiture of choice properties valued at N12.18 billion from Emefiele.