The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim forfeiture order for $4,719,054, N830,875,611, and several properties linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. This ruling was made by Justice Yellim Bogoro on Thursday following an ex-parte application filed by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsels Bilkisu Buhari and C.C. Chineye.
After reviewing the submission by the EFCC lawyers and the supporting affidavit, Justice Bogoro stated, “I find merit in the application and the same is hereby granted as prayed.” The judge directed that the order be published in a widely circulated daily newspaper to allow any interested parties to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made. The case has been adjourned to July 2 for the motion for final forfeiture.
The funds ordered for interim forfeiture are held in accounts at First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank. These accounts are operated by various entities and individuals, 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.
Additionally, the properties forfeited to the Federal Government 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 Bive 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.
This interim forfeiture order marks a significant step in the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings concerning financial crimes linked to Godwin Emefiele.
