National Telescope national telescope newspaper
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of $2.045 million, seven properties, and two share certificates belonging to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.
The ruling, delivered on November 1, 2024, follows an application from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The presiding judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, issued the order after the EFCC presented evidence that these assets were likely acquired through illegal means.
The forfeited properties include high-value real estate in Lagos and Delta State, such as duplexes in Lekki and Ikoyi, an undeveloped plot in Ikoyi, and an industrial complex in Agbor.
Justice Dipeolu noted that Emefiele did not contest the forfeiture within the designated time frame and failed to prove that his wealth from Zenith Bank and the Central Bank justified the acquisition of these properties.
The judge emphasized, “There must be something dark about the acquisition of the properties,” underscoring the lack of transparency in Emefiele’s financial dealings.
The EFCC had initially secured an interim forfeiture order on August 15, 2024, which required the commission to publish the order in major newspapers.
With no objections raised, the court has now finalized the forfeiture in favor of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
