A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has issued an interim forfeiture order for sums totaling $4,719,054 million USD, N830,875,611 million, and various properties linked to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the order on Thursday, May 23, 2024, following an ex-parte motion argued by counsel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bilkisu Buhari, and C.C Chineye.
“I find merit in the application and same hereby granted as prayed. The applicant should publish this order in any daily newspapers circulating all over the federation for anybody who is interested to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made,” Justice Bogoro stated.
The funds forfeited to the Federal Government were allegedly warehoused in various banks operated by entities associated with Emefiele. Additionally, several properties linked to him were also seized by the federal government.
These properties include 94 units of an 11-storey building under construction in Ikoyi, Lagos; an 11-story office space at Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1 in Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos; Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse near Elemoro Lagos; and others.
The EFCC approached the court for the interim forfeiture of the funds and properties under the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offence Act of 2006 and the Constitution.
The anti-graft agency requested the publication of the interim order in a national newspaper, calling on interested parties to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted.
Justice Bogoro, in granting the ex-parte motion, adjourned the case to July 2, 2024, for a motion for final forfeiture.
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