ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- An order of interim forfeiture of properties valued at N11,140,000,000.00 linked to the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been granted by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday.Ā
Justice Aneke made the order sequel to a motion ex parte filed and argued by the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, who led Bilkisu Buhari-Bala and Chineye Okezie in the proceedings.
The court thereafter, ordered the interim forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Channels reports.Ā
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Oyedepo told the court that the former CBN boss was suspected of having bought the choice properties by proxy, with the proceeds of fraud.
He added that the properties are mostly located in highbrow parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Also, the anti-graft agency named three CBN Staff, Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben, Akomolafe Adebayo and Olubunmi Makinde as Emefieleās accomplices.
According to Oyedepo, the three accomplices used their positions and influence to secure retail and special allocation of foreign exchange to different companies in exchange for kickbacks.
Justice Aneke therefore, ordered the EFCC to publish the order in the newspaper for any interested party to state why the final order of forfeiture should not be made.
The judge adjourned the hearing of the motion for final forfeiture till the June 21, 2024.