A Lagos Federal High Court has ruled that properties valued at over N12.18 billion (approximately $25.4 million), previously owned by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, are to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
On Friday, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke granted a final forfeiture order in response to a motion submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by its counsel, Chineye Okezie.
“Having carefully considered the application and submission of counsel, it is hereby ordered as follows: – that a final forfeiture order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, properties contained in CBN through their various commercial banks.” The Judge stated in his ruling.
Justice Aneke had earlier issued an interim forfeiture order on June 5, 2024, in response to a motion filed by Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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According to Rotimi Oyedepo, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Emefiele allegedly used fraudulent proceeds to purchase luxurious properties in Abuja’s upscale areas through proxy buyers.
Oyedepo identified three CBN staff as Emefiele’s accomplices in the alleged fraud. The accused individuals include two current employees, Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben and Akomolafe Adebayo, as well as former employee Olubunmi Makinde.
These details were revealed in the affidavit filed in support of the application.
Justice Aneke granted the application for permanent forfeiture after carefully reviewing a 41-paragraph affidavit by EFCC Investigating Officer Michael John Idoko, 19 attached exhibits and a written address signed by counsel Chineye Okezie.
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