Court Schedules September 12 for Hearing on Emefiele Asset Forfeiture Case

The Federal High Court in Lagos has set September 12 as the date to hear multiple applications related to the forfeiture of assets linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Presiding Judge, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, made this decision after reviewing submissions from all parties involved.

During the session, Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), noted that on August 15, the court issued an interim forfeiture order covering $2.045 million and various properties associated with Emefiele. The EFCC had been directed to publicize the order in a national newspaper to invite objections to the permanent forfeiture of the assets, which was done on August 28.

Olalekan Ojo, SAN, representing Emefiele, informed the court that he had filed applications to stay further proceedings and requested a postponement until September 9 for these applications to be addressed.

Chibuzor Opara, representing occupants of one of the contested properties—No. 8a Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi—stated that he had yet to receive all necessary documents related to the case and requested more time to prepare a defense for his clients.

After hearing the submissions, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter to September 12 for the hearing of all applications.

The assets in question include residential and commercial properties in Lagos and Delta State, as well as shares in a company owned by Emefiele. These assets are part of the ongoing investigation into financial misconduct during Emefiele’s tenure as CBN Governor. The court’s next ruling will decide if the assets will be permanently forfeited to the Nigerian government.