The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has issued an interim forfeiture order involving substantial funds and properties allegedly linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.
The order, granted by Justice Yellim Bogoro on Thursday, May 23, 2024, followed an ex-parte motion filed by counsel representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bilkisu Buhari, and C.C. Chineye.
The court directed the forfeiture of $4,719,054, ₦830,875,611, and various properties, including real estate and bank accounts, pending further legal proceedings. Justice Bogoro instructed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper to notify interested parties and allow them an opportunity to contest the final forfeiture.
The assets in question, which include funds held in multiple banks and several properties across Lagos, were allegedly acquired through unlawful activities. The EFCC sought the forfeiture under relevant sections of Nigerian law, aiming to reclaim assets suspected to be proceeds of illegal acts.
Among the properties listed for forfeiture are office spaces, industrial parks, and residential estates, as well as plots of land and investment holdings. The court’s decision comes after the EFCC’s investigation into financial irregularities and suspected corruption involving Emefiele and associated entities.
Emefiele, who served as CBN Governor until recently, has not responded publicly to the court’s ruling or the allegations leveled against him. The case underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat financial crimes and hold accountable those implicated in corrupt practices.
