…Judge grants FG ownership of seized funds, properties

* Funds are proceeds of unlawful activities, says EFCC

A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a final forfeiture order on $4.7 million, N830 million, and several properties associated with former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Presiding over the case, Justice Yellim Bogoro delivered the ruling on Friday, February 21, 2025, granting the federal government ownership of the funds and assets.

Additionally, the court sanctioned the final forfeiture of investments valued at $900,000 traced to Anita Joy Omoile, a close relative of Emefiele.

Justice Bogoro further ordered the forfeiture of another $4.4 million in investments linked to Deep Blue Energy Services Limited. The ruling also encompassed N283 million held in Zenith Bank under Liman Investment Limited, as well as €20,000 and £1,999.50 traced to Exactquote Bureau De Change (BDC), all of which were linked to Omoile.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had sought the forfeiture, contending that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities. Granting the request, Justice Bogoro ruled that the assets should be permanently transferred to the federal government.