A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim forfeiture order for $2.045 million, seven properties, and shares linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.
The order was issued on Thursday by Justice Akintayo Aluko following an application from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), presented evidence suggesting that these assets are suspected to be proceeds from illicit activities.
Oyedepo alleged that Emefiele was involved in negotiating kickbacks for allocating foreign exchange to companies for legitimate purposes.
The investigation also revealed that Ifeanyi Omeke, a deputy general manager at Zenith Bank Plc, worked closely with Emefiele in acquiring and securing title documents for high-value properties in Lagos.
The properties under forfeiture include two duplexes in Lekki Phase 1, an undeveloped plot in Ikoyi, a bungalow and a four-bedroom duplex in Ikoyi, an industrial complex in Agbor, eight semi-detached apartments in Ikoyi, and a full duplex in Ikoyi.
The court has directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, allowing interested parties 14 days to contest the forfeiture. The case will resume on September 5 for further proceedings.
