On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an interim forfeiture order for properties valued at N11.14 billion linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. The ruling was delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke following a motion ex parte presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, who represented the EFCC, was supported by Bilkisu Buhari-Bala and Chineye Okezie during the court proceedings. The court’s order mandates the interim forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government, pending further investigation and legal proceedings.
During the session, Oyedepo informed the court that Emefiele is suspected of acquiring these choice properties through proxies, utilizing the proceeds of fraudulent activities. These properties are primarily situated in the upscale areas of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, reflecting their significant value and strategic locations.
The EFCC has implicated three CBN staff members—Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben, Akomolafe Adebayo, and Olubunmi Makinde—as Emefiele’s accomplices. The agency alleges that these individuals exploited their positions and influence within the CBN to secure retail and special allocations of foreign exchange for various companies in return for substantial kickbacks.
In his ruling, Justice Aneke instructed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in national newspapers. This publication is intended to notify any interested parties, providing them the opportunity to come forward and present reasons why a final forfeiture order should not be issued. This step is a crucial part of ensuring transparency and allowing for any potential claims or defenses regarding the properties in question.
The judge has scheduled the hearing for the motion for final forfeiture on the 21st of June. This forthcoming hearing will be critical in determining whether the interim forfeiture will be made permanent, transferring full ownership of the properties to the Federal Government.
This case against Godwin Emefiele is part of a broader effort by the EFCC to combat corruption and financial misconduct within Nigeria. The allegations against Emefiele and his alleged accomplices highlight ongoing concerns about the integrity of financial management and the abuse of power within high-ranking positions in the country’s financial institutions.
The court’s decision to grant an interim forfeiture is a significant development in the legal proceedings against Emefiele, marking a decisive step in the investigation of his financial activities during his tenure as CBN Governor. The public and stakeholders alike will be closely watching the upcoming hearing, as it will provide further insights into the depth of the alleged misconduct and the legal ramifications for those involved.
As the case progresses, it underscores the importance of accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s financial sector. The outcome of these proceedings will likely have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption and the enforcement of financial regulations in the country. The actions taken by the EFCC and the subsequent judicial rulings serve as a potent reminder of the ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law and ensure ethical conduct in public office.
