The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has issued an interim forfeiture order on assets and funds amounting to $4,719,054, ₦830,875,611, and various properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. This ruling, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro on Thursday, May 23, 2024, follows an ex-parte motion submitted by Bilkisu Buhari and C.C. Chineye, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In his decision, Justice Bogoro stated, “I find merit in the application and same is hereby granted as prayed.” The order necessitates the EFCC to publicize the interim forfeiture, allowing any interested parties to contest the decision before a final forfeiture order is issued.
“The applicant should publish this order in any daily newspaper circulating all over the federation for anybody interested to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made. Case adjourned to July 2, for motion for final forfeiture,” Justice Bogoro added.
The affected funds are held in accounts at First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank. These accounts are operated by various entities and individuals, including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd, Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd, and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.
The properties subject to the interim forfeiture include:
– 94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2, Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue (formerly Club Road), Ikoyi, Lagos.
– AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space located at 1E, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos.
– Imore Industrial Park 1 on Esa Street, purchased as part of Deep Blue Industrial Town in Oriade LCDA, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos.
– Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro, Lagos, in Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos.
– Two properties acquired from Chevron Nigeria’s Closed PFA Fund, located at Block B, Lot twin completed property in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
Additional properties include:
– A plot measuring 1,038.069 square meters at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Block A, Plot 4, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa LGA.
– An estate located at 100, Cottonwood Coppel Texas Drive, Coppel, Texas, owned by Lipam Investment Services.
– Land at 1, Bunmi Owulude Street (Maruwa), Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
– A property situated at 8, Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
This interim forfeiture marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation and prosecution of financial crimes associated with Emefiele. The case has been adjourned to July 2, 2024, for further hearing on the motion for final forfeiture. The public is invited to come forward within this period if they have any objections to the final forfeiture order.
Credit: ChannelsTV
