Just In: Emefiele’s Legal Gambit Fails As Court Dismisses His Application

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, aimed at overturning the forfeiture of a 150,462.84 square metre parcel of land situated at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone CO9, Lokogoma, Abuja.

Delivering judgment on Monday, April 28, 2025, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had adequately provided Emefiele and other interested parties the opportunity to contest the interim forfeiture but they failed to act within the stipulated timeframe.

The ruling was issued in respect of suit M/226/25 and Motion No. M/15766/2024.

The property was previously forfeited on December 2, 2024, following an EFCC application which asserted that it was suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.

Unhappy with the decision, Emefiele filed a motion requesting the court to:

1. Extend the timeframe for him to challenge the December 2, 2024, forfeiture order;

2. Nullify the forfeiture order, citing misrepresentation and lack of jurisdiction;

3. Grant him permission to submit an affidavit demonstrating why the property should not be permanently forfeited.

Emefiele contended that the forfeiture process was conducted “in secrecy,” claiming he only became aware of it through media reports, as he was simultaneously facing three criminal trials.

He further alleged that the interim forfeiture notice was published in an “obscure section” of The Punch newspaper on November 6, 2024, making it difficult for him to notice.

However, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), filed a 13-paragraph counter-affidavit, insisting that Emefiele had ample opportunity to respond but chose not to.

Agreeing with the EFCC’s argument, Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the publication in The Punch was neither hidden nor misleading.