The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of $4,719,054, N830,875,611, and multiple properties connected to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Yellim Bogoro issued the order on Thursday following an ex-parte application by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsels Bilkisu Buhari and C.C. Chineye. After hearing the submissions, Justice Bogoro ruled, “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 court mandated that the order be published in a national daily to allow any interested party to contest the final forfeiture. The case is adjourned to July 2 for the motion for final forfeiture.
The funds, forfeited to the Federal Government in the interim, are held in accounts at First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank, operated by entities including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd, Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd, and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.
The properties under interim forfeiture include:
94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2, Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue (formerly Club) Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space at 1E, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos
Imore Industrial Park 1, Esa Street, Imoore Land, purchased with Deep Blue Industrial Town, Oriade LCDA, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos
Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro, Lagos
Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos
Two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, Closed PFA Fund, Block B, a twin completed property in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos
The court’s ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings against the former central bank governor.
