Emefiele’s forfeited assets: Court fixes Sept. 12 for hearing

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Lagos Federal High Court has set September 12 to hear arguments on the application for assets forfeited by Godwin Emefiele, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, including funds and properties.

Persecondnews recalls that on August 15, Justice Akintayo Aluko issued an interim forfeiture order that affected $2.045 million and several properties thought to be associated with Emefiele.

The judge granted the forfeiture order after taking Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo’s (SAN) submissions, leading Ms. Chineye Okezie and Ms. Zeenat Atiku-Bala, who moved an ex parte motion for the order on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court also ordered the forfeiture of several properties, including two identical duplexes located at 17B Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and a bungalow at 65A Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The forfeiture order also included an undeveloped plot of land measuring 1919.592 square meters at Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Furthermore, a four-bedroom duplex at 12A Probyn Road, Ikoyi, was also ordered to be forfeited.

The forfeiture order also encompassed an industrial complex under construction on 22-plot land in Agbor, Delta State, as well as eight units of undetached apartments on a plot measuring 2457.60 square meters at 8A Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi.

Additionally, a full duplex on a plot measuring 2217.87 square meters at 2A Bank Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, was also included in the order, along with all its associated structures and appurtenances.

In addition to the properties, Justice Aluko ordered the forfeiture of Emefiele’s share certificates in Queensdorf Global Fund Limited.

After granting the ex parte motion, the judge instructed the EFCC to publish the orders in a prominent national newspaper within 14 days, inviting any affected parties to appear before the court and provide justification for not permanently surrendering the forfeited assets.

Ms. Bilikisu Buhari-Bala represented the EFCC at the case’s continuation on Thursday, while Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Mr. A. Labi-Lawal made up Emefiele’s legal team.