By Willy Okonji-
“This Ruling Sends a Strong Message Against Corruption,” Says EFCC Counsel
The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted a final forfeiture order for a warehouse and 54 general-purpose steel containers linked to the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The property, measuring 1.925 hectares, is located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Magboro, Ogun State. Justice Deinde Dipeolu, in his ruling on Thursday, affirmed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application that the assets were suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.
“The application succeeds, and the same is accordingly granted,” Justice Dipeolu declared. “A final forfeiture order is hereby issued, transferring the specified properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
How the Case Unfolded
On November 28, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) had filed a motion ex parte, seeking the interim forfeiture of the warehouse and containers.
The court granted the order, directing the EFCC to publish it in a national newspaper to allow any interested party to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
During Thursday’s hearing, Oyedepo informed the court that the order had been duly published, yet no party had come forward to claim ownership or contest the forfeiture. Citing constitutional and legal provisions, he urged the court to approve the final forfeiture.
“These properties are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, Oyedepo argued. “This ruling is a vital step in the fight against corruption and misuse of public funds.”
Broader Implications
This case adds to a growing list of properties and funds linked to Emefiele that have been forfeited to the government. On November 1, 2024, the same court ordered the forfeiture of $2.045 million and seven properties tied to the former CBN governor.
The EFCC alleges that these assets were acquired through illicit means during Emefiele’s tenure in the banking sector. However, his legal team has vowed to challenge the forfeiture orders, with plans to escalate the case to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court if necessary.
Reactions to the Ruling
Anti-corruption advocates have praised the court’s decision.
“This sends a strong message that no one is above the law,” said EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren. “It also reaffirms our commitment to recovering assets acquired through corrupt practices.”
However, Emefiele’s supporters argue that the forfeiture orders may be politically motivated. “These proceedings appear to lack fairness,” said a member of his legal team, who asked to remain anonymous. “We will explore all legal avenues to ensure justice prevails.”
As the case continues to draw public attention, it underscores the broader efforts to address corruption in Nigeria’s financial and public sectors, while raising questions about due process and judicial impartiality.
