Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, has distanced himself from properties recently ordered by the Federal High Court in Lagos to be forfeited to the Federal Government.
In a statement issued by his legal representative, Barrister Olawale Fapohunda, Emefiele maintained that he and his immediate family have no ownership interest in the forfeited assets, though some of them belong to his relatives.
Court Ruling and Forfeited Assets
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, granted a final forfeiture order on assets allegedly linked to Emefiele, including $4.7 million, ₦830 million, and multiple properties. The ruling also covered:
- $900,000 investment linked to Anita Joy Omoile, a relative of Emefiele.
- $4.4 million investment traced to DeepBlue Energy Services Ltd.
- ₦283 million in a Zenith Bank account belonging to Liman Investment Ltd.
- €20,000 and £1,999.50 held in Exactquote Bureau De Change (BDC), connected to Omoile.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the ruling on the grounds that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Legal Team Rejects Allegations
Emefiele’s legal team rejected reports suggesting he personally owned the forfeited properties.
“Our attention has been drawn to recent media reports stating that Justice Bogoro has granted a final forfeiture order on properties allegedly linked to Anita Joy Omoile and her companies, including DeepBlue Energy Limited,” the statement read.
“It is important to clarify that DeepBlue Energy Limited, established in 2009, is owned by a relative of our client, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, but not by Mr. Emefiele himself.”
His legal team also noted that a prior interim forfeiture order on the same assets was discharged by Justice Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos, raising questions about the legitimacy of the latest ruling.
Emefiele Calls for Fairness
The former CBN governor urged the media and the public to avoid misrepresentation.
“We urge all stakeholders and members of the public to take note of this clarification and stop associating these assets with Mr. Godwin Emefiele,” the statement concluded.
As legal proceedings continue, Emefiele remains under scrutiny over his financial dealings during his tenure as CBN governor. The EFCC has yet to respond to his latest statement.
