By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Court orders forfeiture of Emefiele’s assets.
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered an interim forfeiture of $4,719,054, N830,875,611, and multiple properties linked to the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Yellim Bogoro issued the order on Thursday, following an ex-parte application filed by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Bilkisu Buhari and C.C. Chineye.
After reviewing the submission and supporting affidavit, Justice Bogoro stated, “I have listened to the submission of the applicant’s counsel and also perused the motion just moved, together with the affidavit in support. I find merit in the application and same is hereby granted as prayed.”
The judge instructed that the order be published in a daily newspaper circulating nationwide, allowing any interested parties to show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be made. The case was adjourned to July 2 for the motion for final forfeiture.
The monies forfeited to the Federal Government in the interim were held in accounts at First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank, operated by Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd, Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd, and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.
The properties forfeited to the Federal Government include 94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2, Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue (Formerly Club Road), Ikoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space at 1E, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1, Esa Street, Imoore Land purchased with Deep Blue Industrial Town, Oriade LCDA, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos; Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro, Lagos; Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos; and two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, Closed PFA Fund, Block B, Lot twin completed property in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
Forfeiture, Properties
Court orders forfeiture of Emefiele’s assets