The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the federal government an interim forfeiture order for properties worth N11.14 billion linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke issued the order based on a motion ex parte filed and argued by Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
These properties, primarily located in upscale areas of Abuja, are suspected to have been purchased by Emefiele using proceeds from fraud.
The EFCC alleges that three CBN staff members, Makinde Olubunmi, Obayemi Teben, and Adebayo Akomolafe, facilitated Emefiele’s activities by securing foreign exchange allocations for companies in exchange for kickbacks.
Justice Aneke ordered the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order in a newspaper to allow interested parties to contest it within 14 days.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on June 21.
This follows a recent similar order granted by the same court for funds and properties suspected to be linked to corruption involving Emefiele’s associates, based on an EFCC application.
The investigation implicates individuals and companies, including Anita Joy Omoile and Lipam Investment Services Limited, in fraudulent activities.
Omoile, a close relative of Emefiele, is wanted by the EFCC for her involvement in the scheme. The court adjourned the case to July 2, 2024, while the EFCC continues its efforts to apprehend suspects and recover the assets.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Lawmakers approves probe of ex-Nigerian governor El-Rufai over alleged N423 billion fraud