A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the interim forfeiture of $4,719,054, N830,875,611, and several property linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Jerrymusa.com reports that on Friday, Justice Yellim Bogoro issued an order following an ex-parte motion by EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari and C.C. Chineye.
“The order involves the forfeiture of funds linked to various individuals and companies, including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, and others. These funds, held in various banks, are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Properties Affected
“Additionally, the order includes the forfeiture of several properties belonging to Emefiele, including 94 units of an 11-story building under construction in Ikoyi, Lagos, as well as AM Plaza, an 11-story office space in Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos.
“Other properties affected are Imore Industrial Park 1 in Oriade LCDA, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos, Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant) in Bogije, near Elemoro Lagos, and two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, Closed PFA Fund, Block B, Lot Twin Completed Property Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
“Other properties include a plot of land at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Block A, Plot 4, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA, and a property on 8, Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.”
The EFCC sought an interim forfeiture of these monies and properties under relevant laws, including the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Constitution.
The agency requested an interim order forfeiting the funds and properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria, as they are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Justice Bogoro granted the ex-parte motion and adjourned the case to July 2, 2024, for the motion for final forfeiture.