Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has filed applications challenging the court-ordered forfeiture of his assets to the Federal Government.
The forfeiture initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has seen Emefiele’s funds and numerous properties seized.
The latest forfeiture order, granted on August 12, 2024, by Justice Akintayo Aluko, involved the interim forfeiture of $2.045 million and several properties tied to Emefiele.
The court approved this action following an ex parte application presented by EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Among the seized properties are two duplexes in Lekki, Lagos, a bungalow and a duplex in Ikoyi, an industrial complex under construction in Agbor, Delta State, and eight units of apartments in Ikoyi.
Additionally, share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust were also linked to the former governor.
The court directed the EFCC to publish a forfeiture notice in a national newspaper within 14 days to allow interested parties to contest the permanent forfeiture.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, EFCC counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari-Bala confirmed compliance, noting that the notice was published on August 28, 2024.
Emefiele’s legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that his client’s interlocutory application, which seeks to halt further forfeiture proceedings, should be prioritized.
Ojo requested the court to adjourn the matter to Monday for a hearing on this application.
Additionally, Mr. Chibuzor Opara, representing the occupants of one of the forfeited properties, sought more time to file the necessary legal documents.
After hearing submissions from all parties, Justice Deinde Dipeolu adjourned the case to September 12, 2024, for the hearing of all pending applications.
