Court Upholds Forfeiture Order of Emefiele’s Abuja Estate, EFCC’s Action Validated

•  Nigerian court has issued a final forfeiture order for an estate in Abuja, allegedly linked to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.

• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had obtained both interim and final forfeiture orders, transferring ownership of the property to the Federal Government.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final forfeiture order for an estate situated at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone CO9, Lokogoma District, Abuja, covering 150,462.84 square metres, allegedly linked to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had obtained both interim and final forfeiture orders, transferring ownership of the property to the Federal Government. Emefiele approached the court, seeking permission to apply out of time to challenge the forfeiture rulings made on December 2 and 24, 2024.

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In his decision, Justice Onwuegbuzie dismissed Emefiele’s claim that the EFCC’s publication was obscure, pointing out that a half-page announcement in a widely circulated national newspaper does not qualify as hidden.

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The judge emphasized that only those with a clear legal interest in a forfeited asset can intervene in such proceedings. Emefiele had over 14 days to contest the order but did not act within the allowed time, leading to the rejection of his motion. The court ultimately ruled in favour of the EFCC.