Metro

Court Forfeits $2.04m, Properties, Shares Linked To Emefiele

Published

1 year ago

August 15, 2024

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of a cash sum of $2,045m linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Akintayo Aluko also ordered the interim forfeiture of seven landed properties linked to the suspended CBN Governor.

The lands are listed as: “Two fully detached duplexes of identical structures, lying being and situated at No. 17b Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; an undeveloped/bare land, measuring 1919.592sqm with Survey Plan No. DS/LS/340 LYING, being and situate at Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (Formerly Queens Drive), Ikoyi, Lagos; a bungalow lying, being and situate at No. 65a Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, (Formerly Queens Drive), Ikoyi, Lagos; four bedroom duplex lying, being and situate at 12a Probyn Road, Ikoyi; Industrial complex under construction on a 22-plot of land, lying, being and situate in Agbor, Delta State; 8 units of the undetached apartment on a plot measuring 2457.60sqm OF lying, being and situate at No. 8a Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi, and a full duplex together with all its appurtenances on a plot of land measuring 2217.87sqm lying, being and situate at 2a Bank Road, Ikoyi, Lagos”.

Justice Aluko further ordered the interim forfeiture of 2 shares of share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust.

The judge made the interim forfeiture orders on Thursday, after taking an application for the orders in a suit filed and moved by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo who led Chineye Okezie and Zeenat Atiku-Bala.

In urging the court to forfeit the assets, Oyedepo said the money and other items sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Oyedepo also added that the orders sought are pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, Section 44 (2)(B) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

The Senior Advocate also told the court that the motion exparte is supported by an affidavit deposed to by one Idi Musa, an Investigator attached to the Lagos office of the EFCC.

Part of the deponent’s averments in the affidavit reads: “That I am one of the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission assigned to investigate the damning intelligence report received by the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission in respect of monumental fraudulent activities perpetrated by some senior officers of the Central Bank of Nigeria through which huge sums of money were fraudulently converted and transferred for personal use.

“That the Commission whilst investigating the alleged monumental fraud carried out by the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and his Cronies traced and discovered several properties reasonably suspected to have been acquired and or developed with proceeds of unlawful activities.

“That the said properties particularised in Schedules ‘A’ and ‘B’ herein, having been reasonably suspected to have been acquired/ developed with proceeds of unlawful activities are now sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria in the interim.

“In the cause of this investigation, it was revealed that the erstwhile CBN governor negotiates kickbacks in return for allocation of Foreign Exchange to some companies who were in desperate need of foreign exchange for their lawful and legitimate businesses.

“That upon investigation, it was revealed that one Ifeanyi Omeke, a Deputy General Manager and Head, Litigation of Zenith Bank Plc, who worked closely with Godwin Emefiele ran several errands for him which included purchase and perfection of title documents for several properties located in highbrow areas of Lagos. And that upon a search conducted in the office premises of Mr Ifeanyi Collins Omeke by the operatives, several seals for various companies including but not limited to Queensdorf Global Fund Limited were recovered.

“That the said seals were kept in the custody of Mr Ifeanyi Collins Omeke by Godwin Emefiele. And that Investigation has revealed that all seven companies listed above are suspected to be shell companies used by Godwin Emefiele as vehicles for money laundering and holding proceeds of his illicit activities.

“That sometime in 2018, one Olusola Bodunde acquired a parcel of land located at Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos and partnered with one Idowu Sharafa to develop three units of 5-bedroom duplexes with attached BQ on the land. And that sometime in 2020, one Ifeanyi Omeke approached Mr Olusola Bodunde and subsequently paid the total sum of N460,000,000. 00 (Four Hundred and Sixty Million Naira) for two of the three developed duplexes, purchased in the name of Amrash Ventures Limited, all on behalf and the instructions of Godwin Emefiele.

“That the sum of Two Million, Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($2,045,000.00) and the shares certificate, were also recovered in the office of Mr. Collins Ifeanyi Omeke at the Zenith Bank Head office on Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“That most of the proceeds of Godwin Emefiele’s illegal activities were invested in the acquisition of various properties now sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. And that the properties now sought to be forfeited were not acquired with proceeds of any legitimate earnings but rather from funds reasonably suspected to have been derived from proceeds of unlawful activities.

“That from findings of our investigation, I also know as a fact and verily believe that the properties sought to be forfeited were acquired in the name of cooperating entities to conceal the unlawful origin of the funds used for their acquisition. And that the title document in respect of the properties listed in Schedule A herein was recovered by the team in the course of this investigation.

“That I know as a fact and verily believed that the funds used for the acquisition of the properties sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and not the legitimate earnings of Godwin Emefiele.

“That most of the fraudulently earned funds have been invested in the acquisition of the various properties now sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. And that the properties were acquired by Godwin Emefiele and kept in the custody of Mr Collins Ifeanyi Omeke, with sums traced and reasonably believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities to wit; kickback from allocation of Foreign exchange.

“That investigation further revealed that all these companies were used in the intermediate steps to perfect this scheme of fraud. And that it is in the interest of justice to grant this application.”

After listening to Oyedepo’s submissions and reading through all the processes filed and the plethoras of legal authorities cited, Justice Aluko granted the interim forfeiture of the money, the share certificates and the landed properties.

Metro

NDLEA Officers, Soldiers Attacked In Edo

Published

9 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Army personnel were on Monday attacked at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, State commander of the NDLEA who stated this in a statement, said an officer of the agency sustained an injury during the attack.

Ofoyeju, who said the community is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking, noted that as the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire which led the team to abort the operation before proceeding later.

He said one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. He stated that the officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.

As the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The hostile environment forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety.

The statement read, “A combined team of NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack on Monday at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

“Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.

“I commend the bravery of our officers and the army personnel involved. Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation.

“Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no life was lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.”

Ofoyeju said the NDLEA would intensify efforts against drug cultivation and trafficking in Edo State.

“We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics,” he added.

The raid in Ukpuje is part of a broader strategy by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and promote community safety. Illicit cannabis cultivation has long been a challenge in the area.

The operation in Ukpuje underscores the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

The agency in the past months have also visited spots known for illicit drug sales in the state to arrest dealers.

It has also got the conviction of barons and dealers while seizing drugs and also in sensitization programmes on the ills of drug abuse.

Metro

Soldiers Kill 80 Bandits In Kebbi Border Clash

Published

2 days ago

October 26, 2025

Editor

Troops of the Nigerian military have neutralised no fewer than 80 armed bandits attempting to infiltrate Kebbi State from the Zamfara border, in one of the most decisive security operations recorded in recent months.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, describing the operation as a major victory in the state’s ongoing war against banditry.

According to him, the success recorded in Ngaski Local Government Area was the result of the strategic deployment of fully equipped troops across Kebbi’s borders with Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger States, as directed by Governor Nasir Idris.

Zuru explained that Governor Idris had earlier requested additional military reinforcements to strengthen border security, a move that has since led to the neutralisation of hundreds of bandits and the restoration of peace in several communities.

He said credible intelligence reports prompted the strategic positioning of troops around Makurdi village, where soldiers engaged the heavily armed attackers in fierce gun battles on Friday and Saturday nights.

“About 80 bandits were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” said Director of Security, Abdulrahaman Usman, adding that dozens of motorcycles and two abducted victims were recovered during the operation.

Zuru noted that the Kebbi State Government’s collaboration with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, has been crucial in sustaining the momentum against banditry. 4

He added that Governor Idris had donated 100 Hilux vehicles and 5,000 motorcycles to enhance troop mobility and response capacity.

Reacting to the success, the Emir of Yauri, Zayyanu Muhammad, commended the gallantry of the troops and lauded Governor Idris for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“The people of Kebbi are proud of the sacrifices of our soldiers and the leadership of Governor Idris, whose efforts are restoring peace and hope to our communities,” the Emir said.

Security sources said the latest onslaught has forced several bandit groups to retreat deeper into neighbouring forests, signalling that Kebbi is becoming increasingly unsafe for criminal elements.

According to The PUNCH, troops of Operation Hadin Kai had killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations across Borno and Yobe States.

The Nigerian military said the simultaneous attacks occurred between midnight and 4am on Thursday when terrorists launched assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo and Katarko, situated within Sectors 1 and 2 of the Joint Operations Area 1.

Metro

One Injured As Truck Falls Off Lagos Bridge

Published

2 days ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

A fully loaded six-tyre truck on Saturday plunged off the Oshodi Bridge in Lagos after reportedly suffering brake failure, leaving one man severely injured.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said its operatives swiftly intervened to rescue the victim and restore traffic in the area.

According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, was laden with toner printing materials when it lost control while descending the Oshodi-Oke bridge inward Mile 2 and fell into the terminal ditch below.

“In an exemplary display of operational precision and institutional alertness, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and traffic orderliness as its operatives today rescued a severely injured male victim following a ghastly accident involving a fully loaded six-tyre truck with registration number AKD 135 YK, which suffered a brake failure and plunged off the Oshodi Bridge into the terminal ditch while descending from Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2.

“Preliminary information gathered from the scene indicated that the ill-fated truck, reportedly laden with tonner printing materials, experienced a critical mechanical failure while descending the bridge, thereby losing control before skidding off the carriageway and tumbling into the terminal below,” Taofiq said

He added that LASTMA officers arrived at the scene within minutes to commence rescue operations and prevent secondary accidents.

He said, “Upon arrival, the officers immediately commenced rescue operations and successfully extricated a male victim who sustained grievous injuries in the accident.

“The injured man was expeditiously conveyed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the driver of the truck was apprehended and handed over to security operatives from Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation into the cause of the brake malfunction and other contributory factors.”

Taofiq noted that the accident could have resulted in more casualties but for the prompt and coordinated efforts of LASTMA officials who diverted traffic and cleared the wreckage.

“To forestall secondary collisions and ensure the safety of road users, LASTMA operatives swiftly cordoned off the accident scene, diverted vehicular movement, and supervised the clearance of the wreckage thereby restoring traffic normalcy within a remarkably short period,” he said.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response.

“Mr. Bakare Oki, lauded their exceptional response, diligence, and adherence to standard safety protocols during the operation.

“He reiterated the Agency’s unrelenting vigilance in ensuring the protection of lives and property on Lagos roads, particularly during the ember months, when traffic density and accident risks are significantly heightened,” the statement stated.

According to the statement, Oki said the agency remains vigilant in protecting lives and property, especially during the ember months when road accidents are more frequent.

He noted that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks have been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic points for quick emergency response.

“Mr. Oki further emphasized that the agency’s ongoing 24-hour traffic management operations were instituted to guarantee seamless vehicular movement across the state before, during, and after the festive season.

“He disclosed that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks have been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic nodes and corridors for optimal coverage and swift emergency response,” the statement said.

Oki urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to “proactive traffic regulation, timely rescue operations, and continuous public enlightenment to make Lagos roads safer for everyone.”

The Oshodi area, particularly the busy Oshodi-Apapa Expressway corridor, serves as a major transport node in Lagos, linking routes from the port and mainland and regularly experiencing severe traffic gridlocks.

Heavy-duty trucks, including those laden with cargo bound for terminals and depots, are frequent contributors to the congestion.

Mechanical faults, including brake failure and tyre bursts, remain a recurring cause of road accidents across Nigeria.

According to the FRSC 2022 compendium, mechanical/vehicle-defect factors account for about 10 per cent of road crashes nationwide.