The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of $2.04 million and seven properties connected to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating alleged fraudulent activities linked to Emefiele and stated that the properties were acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
The properties include prime real estate in Lekki and Ikoyi, Lagos, and an industrial complex under construction in Agbor, Delta State. The EFCC also ordered the interim forfeiture of two share certificates of a company linked to Emefiele
In addition to the properties, the court also ordered the interim forfeiture of two share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, a company linked to Emefiele.
The properties, as listed, include two fully detached duplexes at No. 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; a 1,919.592 sqm undeveloped land on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive) in Ikoyi; a bungalow at No. 65a Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; a four-bedroom duplex at 12a Probyn Road, Ikoyi; an industrial complex on 22 plots in Agbor, Delta State; eight apartments on Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi; and a full duplex at 2a Bank Road, Ikoyi.
It also stated that Emefiele allegedly negotiated kickbacks in exchange for foreign exchange allocations to companies in need of foreign currency for legitimate business purposes.
The investigation also found evidence that the properties were acquired through shell companies linked to Emefiele with the purpose of laundering money. Justice Aluko directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper and set a date for anyone with an interest in the funds and assets to appear in court.
The case has been adjourned to September 5, 2024, for further hearing.
The court earlier ordered the forfeiture of $1.4 million, $4.7 million, N830 million, and properties worth N12.18 billion linked to Emefiele.
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