A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the permanent forfeiture of $2.045 million, multiple luxury properties, and two share certificates belonging to the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
Judge Deinde Dipeolu delivered the ruling on Friday, confirming the final forfeiture to the Nigerian government.
This decision follows an interim order from August 15, issued by vacation judge Akintayo Aluko, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claimed the assets were likely proceeds of unlawful activities.
The EFCC later published the forfeiture order, inviting any interested parties to contest it.
During the October 11 hearing, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo moved for the final forfeiture, as no one contested the claims.
Judge Dipeolu ruled that Godwin Emefiele failed to provide evidence of lawful income from his positions at Zenith Bank or the Central Bank of Nigeria, which could justify his acquisition of the contested properties.
“The conclusion that can be deduced is that there must be something dark about the acquisition of the properties which Emefiele and the companies does not want to come to light,” he added.
The forfeited properties include several high-end real estate assets: two detached duplexes on Hakeem Odumosu Street in Lekki Phase 1, an undeveloped parcel on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi, a bungalow and a four-bedroom duplex in Ikoyi, an industrial complex under construction on 22 plots in Agbor, Delta State, eight apartment units on Adekunle Lawal Road in Ikoyi, and a duplex with land on Bank Road in Ikoyi.
The forfeiture order also encompasses the assets of several companies allegedly linked to Godwin Emefiele, including Amrash Ventures Limited, Modern Hotels Limited, Finebury Properties Limited, Fidelity Express Services Limited, H & Y Business Global Limited, and SDEM Erectors Nigeria Limited.
