Embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has returned to court, seeking to challenge the forfeiture of his assets to the Federal Government.
This move comes in response to a series of court rulings secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), resulting in the seizure of his funds and properties.
The most recent order, issued on August 12, 2024, by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, mandated the interim forfeiture of $2.045 million along with several properties linked to Emefiele.
EFCC’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rotimi Oyedepo, had applied for the forfeiture on an ex parte basis.
The seized properties include two duplexes in Lekki, Lagos, a large undeveloped land on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi, and an industrial complex under construction in Agbor, Delta State.
Other notable properties are a four-bedroom duplex, apartments, and additional real estate holdings across Ikoyi.
In response, Emefiele has filed applications contesting the forfeiture orders.
At a recent hearing, EFCC prosecution counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari-Bala confirmed that the forfeiture notice had been published in accordance with the court’s directive.
The court is set to address the pending applications from Emefiele’s legal team and other interested parties in the next hearing, as the former CBN governor seeks to reclaim his seized assets.
