By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Federal High Court in Lagos has set Thursday, September 12, for a hearing regarding applications related to a suit seeking the permanent forfeiture of certain funds and properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu scheduled the date after reviewing submissions from all parties involved. During the resumed hearing, Bilikisu Buhari-Bala represented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while Olalekan Ojo (SAN) appeared for Emefiele. Chibuzor Opara also announced his representation for the occupants of 8a Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, one of the properties under consideration for forfeiture.
Buhari-Bala informed the court that the hearing was scheduled for a compliance report on orders issued on August 15, 2024. On that date, Justice Akintayo Aluko had granted an interim forfeiture order for $2.045 million USD and various properties linked to Emefiele. The court also mandated publication of this order in newspapers to allow interested parties to contest the forfeiture.
Buhari-Bala reported that the EFCC had complied with the order by publishing it on August 28, 2024. She noted receiving two applications from Emefiele’s counsel, which were not yet ready for hearing, and requested a brief adjournment to respond to them. Ojo sought an adjournment to Monday, September 9, to address these applications, which aim to stay further proceedings.
Opara requested an adjournment to file his clients’ processes, as he had not yet received all necessary documents.
After considering all arguments, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter to September 12 for the hearing of all applications.
On August 15, Justice Aluko had ordered the interim forfeiture of various assets, including two duplexes on Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, an undeveloped land on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, a bungalow, a four-bedroom duplex on Probyn Road, an industrial complex in Agbor, Delta State, and other properties in Ikoyi, Lagos. Additionally, two share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust belonging to Emefiele were also temporarily forfeited.
The court had directed the EFCC to publish these orders in a widely circulated national newspaper within 14 days to allow any interested parties to contest the final forfeiture.