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| Image:Allafrica.com |
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and multiple high-value properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled that the funds and properties were proceeds of unlawful activities, following a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The forfeited assets include funds held in accounts at First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank, operated by individuals and companies such as Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, and Lipam Investment Services Limited.
The properties forfeited comprise a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial assets, including a 94-unit 11-floor building in Ikoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza in Lekki; and an industrial park in Amuwo Odofin. Other notable properties include a Texas-based estate owned by Lipam Investment Services and prime real estate in Lekki and Ikoyi. Justice Bogoro emphasized that the funds and properties were unlawfully acquired, questioning the sudden influx of dollars into accounts linked to Emefiele after his tenure as CBN governor. He also described Anita Omoile as a close associate of Emefiele who played a key role in diverting funds from the CBN.
The EFCC, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and Section 44(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution to secure the forfeiture. The court had earlier issued an interim forfeiture order, which was published in a national newspaper. With no defendants able to prove legitimate ownership, the forfeiture became permanent. This ruling underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption and recovering illicit assets under its Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. It also highlights the judiciary’s role in holding public officials accountable for financial misconduct.
#Emefiele
#CBN
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