UPDATED:
An embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lost another tranche of $2.4m to the Federal Government on Friday.
Emefiele, the CBN Governor from June 2014 to June 2023, lost the funds and shares and landed property in a ruling by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Justice Dipeolu also ordered a final forfeiture of seven (7) premium properties, and share certificates from Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust.
This decision came after Emefiele and any interested parties failed to contest the initial interim forfeiture. The court found Emefiele could not prove that his earnings from Zenith Bank and the Central Bank were lawful sources for acquiring the properties, nor did he provide documentation of ownership.
Emefiele denied any links to the companies named in the case, which did not appear in court to claim the properties.
The listed companies include Amrash Ventures Limited, Modern Hotels Limited, and others, which Justice Dipeolu said that the circumstances surrounding them suggested something illicit, as Emefiele failed to demonstrate any legitimate interest in them.
He, therefore, ordered the final forfeiture of all items suspected of being acquired through unlawful means.
Other properties forfeited include two identical duplexes at 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1; an undeveloped land in Ikoyi; a bungalow on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive; a four-bedroom duplex on Probyn Road; an industrial complex in Agbor, Delta State; eight apartments on Adekunle Lawal Road; and a duplex on Bank Road in Ikoyi.
On August 15, 2024, the court authorized the EFCC to temporarily seize the cash, properties, and shares after an ex parte application by lead counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The EFCC claimed that the listed items were likely proceeds of unlawful activities, while Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), sought to stay the proceedings against the final forfeiture.
