Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has launched a legal challenge against the forfeiture of his assets to the Federal Government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had obtained a series of court orders, 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 $2.045m and several properties connected to Emefiele. The properties temporarily forfeited include two duplexes at 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; an undeveloped land measuring 1919.592 sqm at Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; and a bungalow at 65a Oyinkan Abayomi Drive.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, confirmed compliance with the court’s orders, stating that the forfeiture notice was published on August 28, 2024. However, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged the court to prioritise his client’s interlocutory application, which seeks to halt further forfeiture proceedings.
“The law states that when such an application is filed, the issue of final forfeiture should be stated,” Ojo argued. He requested an adjournment to enable the court to hear his client’s application on Monday.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu adjourned the case until September 12 for the hearing of all pending applications. The occupants of 8a Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi, also requested more time to file their processes, noting that they had not received all necessary court documents.
Emefiele’s legal challenge is the latest twist in the asset forfeiture saga, which has seen the EFCC obtain multiple court orders against the former CBN governor. The outcome of the legal battle will determine the fate of Emefiele’s assets, which are currently under temporary forfeiture.
