Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the interim forfeiture of about N11.14billion properties linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Aneke granted the order on Wednesday, following a motion filed and argued by the lawyer to the prosecuting Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN)
The Senior Advocate also informed the court that Emefiele was suspected of purchasing prime properties through proxies using proceeds from fraud.
According the EFCC, the properties are said to be primarily located in upscale areas of Abuja.
The EFCC also identified three CBN officials as Emefiele’s accomplices. The errant CBN officials are Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben, Akomolafe Adebayo, and Olubunmi Makinde.
They were said to have used their positions to secure retail and special allocations of foreign exchange for various companies in return for kickbacks.
After granting the interim order of forfeiture, Justice Aneke directed the EFCC to publish the order in a newspaper, allowing any interested parties to join issues in the matter and contest the final forfeiture.
Justice Aneke consequently adjourned the hearing for the motion for final forfeiture till June 21.
It is instructive to note that Justice Yelima Bagoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos had in May, also granted EFCC’s request on interim forfeiture of $4,719,054, N830,875,611, and other assets linked to Emefiele.
Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court had on May 29, ordered the interim forfeiture of $1,426,175.14 linked to the former CBN Governor.
