A Nigerian Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has once again ordered the interim forfeiture of $1.4 million linked to the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
The forfeiture was ordered to the Federal Government of Nigeria by Justice Ayokunle Faji.
The court directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted. The order was made following an ex parte application moved by EFCC’s counsel, Bilikisu Buhari-Bala.
The funds, held in Donatone Limited’s account at Titan Bank Limited, were subject to investigation related to alleged fraudulent activities involving Emefiele and others. The investigation revealed that the funds were suspected proceeds of unlawful activities and were traced to Donatone Limited’s account.
According to the EFCC’s affidavit, the funds were received from international entities under the guise of sourcing forex, and significant amounts were allegedly used for bribes and gratification to secure forex access approvals. The investigation further uncovered that a portion of the funds was fixed in interest-yielding accounts, laundered through a foreign account in Mauritius, and then transferred back to Nigeria.
In addition to the funds, the court also ordered the interim forfeiture of several properties linked to Emefiele. These properties 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, located 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, Lot twin completed property in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
These properties were identified as assets acquired through alleged fraudulent activities involving Emefiele and his associates.
Justice Faji adjourned the matter to June 25 for the hearing of the final forfeiture proceedings. This order follows a previous interim forfeiture of sums and properties linked to Emefiele, highlighting ongoing legal actions against the former CBN governor.
