A Federal High Court in Lagos has permanently seized millions of dollars, naira, and properties linked to a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ruling that they were proceeds of unlawful activities.
The decision, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro, confirms that the assets, including $4.7 million, ₦830 million, and real estate holdings, now belong to the Nigerian government.
The case, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), traced substantial funds and investments to individuals and companies allegedly used to conceal illicit transactions.
A close associate of the former CBN governor, Anita Joy Omoile, was found to have handled a $900,000 investment, while an additional $4.4 million was tied to Deep Blue Energy Services Ltd.
Other forfeited funds include ₦283 million in a Zenith Bank account and foreign currency transactions linked to Exactquote Bureau De Change.
Investigators linked multiple high-value properties to the case, including an under-construction high-rise in Ikoyi, office spaces in Lekki, and industrial parks in Lagos. Other seized properties include a furniture plant in Ibeju-Lekki, two estates previously owned by Chevron Nigeria, and a residential property in Texas, USA.
According to the EFCC, the former CBN governor allegedly exploited his position from 2014 to 2023 to funnel illicit funds through associates and family members.
Omoile was accused of running an unauthorized currency exchange business and receiving large sums of foreign currency directly linked to the former governor’s influence. Several individuals, including Esther Aderohunmu, Lucia Ewubor, and Calista Ogbonna, were allegedly involved in processing the funds through different accounts.
Before the final ruling, Justice Bogoro dismissed an attempt to delay the case, stating that the transactions in question were illegal. She emphasised that the sudden financial difficulties of those involved after the governor’s exit from office suggested that their wealth was not from legitimate business dealings. With this judgment, all the identified funds and assets have been permanently transferred to the Nigerian government.
