A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an attempt by Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to regain control of a high-value estate in Abuja that had been confiscated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele had sought to challenge the forfeiture of the property, located in Lokogoma District and spanning over 150,000 square meters, which includes 753 duplexes and apartments. The estate was seized under the authority of final forfeiture orders issued by the court in late 2024, following investigations into alleged financial misconduct.
In his application, Emefiele claimed that he was unaware of the court’s action. He also stated that his involvement in multiple criminal cases in Abuja and Lagos during that period hindered his ability to act on the notice.
However, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, who presided over the case, dismissed these claims. The judge emphasised that the notice had been properly published according to the legal standards set by the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. Justice Onwuegbuzie pointed out that a half-page publication in a widely-read national newspaper could not be considered hidden.
Emefiele further argued that his legal representation had not been adequately informed of the proceedings, but the judge rejected this line of reasoning, noting that the property in question was rightfully forfeited and that Emefiele had ample time to dispute the decision but failed to act within the 14-day window allowed by law.
In the ruling, the court maintained that only individuals with a legitimate, recognised interest in forfeited property could intervene, highlighting the necessity for clear legal standing in such matters. With this, the court resolved the case in favor of the EFCC, leaving Emefiele’s attempt to reclaim the estate unsuccessful.
