A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, Abuja, has dismissed an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking to recover an estate seized by the Federal Government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had, on December 2, 2024, secured the final forfeiture of the property located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone CO9, Lokogoma District, covering 150,500 square metres and comprising 753 duplexes.
Although the estate was initially linked to a company that later disclaimed ownership, Emefiele, through his lawyer, A.M. Kotoye, applied to be recognised as an interested party, asking the court for an extension of time to challenge the forfeiture orders.
Emefiele argued that the interim and final forfeiture proceedings were conducted without his knowledge, claiming that the EFCC had published the notice in an obscure section of a newspaper, thereby depriving him of the opportunity to respond promptly.
He also cited his preoccupation with facing multiple criminal trials in courts in Abuja and Lagos at the time.
However, in a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie held that the publication of the notice in a national newspaper was adequate, dismissing claims that it was hidden.
The judge noted that under Section 17(2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, the EFCC had satisfied all notice requirements for the forfeiture process.
Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that Emefiele had sufficient time — over 14 days — to contest the forfeiture but failed to act, stressing that only individuals with clear, demonstrable interests in a forfeited property could challenge such proceedings.
“The applicant was afforded enough opportunity to contest the forfeiture but chose not to act within the period stipulated by law,” the judge said.
Consequently, the court dismissed Emefiele’s application and upheld the final forfeiture in favour of the EFCC.
Emefiele, who is currently standing trial in several corruption-related cases, had accused the anti-graft agency of deliberately concealing the proceedings, a claim the court also rejected
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