A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of $2.04 million and seven properties tied to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is probing alleged financial misconduct by Emefiele. The seized properties include prime real estate in Lekki and Ikoyi, Lagos, and a large industrial complex in Agbor, Delta State.
The EFCC argued that the assets were acquired through fraudulent means, with counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) asserting that the properties were proceeds of unlawful activities. The court-listed assets include luxury duplexes, undeveloped land, apartments, and share certificates linked to Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, a company allegedly associated with Emefiele.
An EFCC investigator revealed that Emefiele used shell companies to launder money and acquire these properties. Significant evidence, including title documents and company seals, was recovered during the EFCC’s investigation. The court directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to contest the order.
This latest ruling adds to a series of forfeiture orders against Emefiele, who is facing multiple corruption charges. Earlier this year, the court ordered the forfeiture of over $6 million, N830 million, and properties worth N12.18 billion linked to the embattled former CBN governor.
