The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, has filed applications to challenge the forfeiture of his assets to the Federal Government by the court.
This move comes after a series of court orders were obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since his removal from office, forfeiting Emefiele‘s funds and landed assets.
The latest forfeiture order was obtained on August 12, 2024, when Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered the interim forfeiture of $2.045 million and several properties connected to Emefiele.
The properties temporarily forfeited include two duplexes in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; an undeveloped land in Ikoyi; a bungalow and a four-bedroom duplex in Ikoyi; an industrial complex under construction in Agbor, Delta State; and several other properties and share certificates linked to Emefiele.
However, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), has filed applications to halt further forfeiture proceedings, arguing that the law states that when such an application is filed, the issue of final forfeiture should be stayed.
“The law states that when such an application is filed, the issue of final forfeiture should be stayed,” Ojo argued. “My client’s application, being an interlocutory one, must be heard and determined before any further proceedings.”
The EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, confirmed compliance with the court’s orders and acknowledged receiving Emefiele’s applications but requested an adjournment to enable her respond to the applications.
Justice Aluko directed the EFCC to publish a forfeiture notice in a national newspaper within 14 days, allowing interested parties to come forward and explain why the assets should not be permanently forfeited. The forfeiture notice was published on August 28, 2024, in The PUNCH Newspaper.
Emefiele’s move to challenge the forfeiture of his assets is a clear indication that he will not go down without a fight.
