Court Issues Final Order to Confiscate N12.18b Property Linked to Godwin Emefiele

By Iyojo Ameh

The court has decreed the permanent forfeiture of a property valued at N12.18 billion associated with former CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke granted the ultimate forfeiture order following a court session where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by lawyer Chineye Okezie, presented and discussed a motion.

The properties, situated in highly sought-after locations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, were included in two separate listings.

Justice Aneke directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper to give all concerned parties the opportunity to challenge the final order.

On June 21, when the court resumed proceedings, there were no parties present to contest the temporary order.

After carefully examining a detailed 41-paragraph affidavit presented by EFCC Investigating Officer Michael John Idoko, along with the 19 accompanying exhibits and a written address signed by Okezie, Justice Aneke approved the application.

The judge said, “Having carefully considered the application and submission of counsel, it is hereby ordered as follows: a final forfeiture order is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, properties contained in Schedule A, which were traced and reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”