The FCT High Court in Apo has struck out an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, seeking to reclaim a vast estate in Abuja that was forfeited to the government. The estate, comprising 753 duplexes and apartments, was located on a 150,462.84 square meter plot in the Lokogoma District.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ordered the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government, upholding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) previous orders. The EFCC had secured an interim and final forfeiture order of the property in favor of the Federal Government.
Emefiele had argued that the forfeiture process was conducted without his knowledge, claiming the EFCC's publication of the interim forfeiture notice in The Punch Newspaper was obscure and didn't give him sufficient opportunity to respond. He also contended that he was preoccupied with standing trial in three separate criminal cases across different courts in Abuja and Lagos during the relevant period, making it practically impossible for him to discover the publication.
However, the court rejected Emefiele's argument, stating that the publication in a national newspaper like Punch was sufficient notice. The judge emphasized that Emefiele had over 14 days to contest the forfeiture but failed to act, dismissing his motion and resolving the issue in favor of the EFCC.
The court's decision is a significant victory for the Federal Government in its efforts to recover assets allegedly linked to corruption. The ruling also highlights the importance of timely action in responding to court notices and the need for individuals to demonstrate a recognizable interest in properties subject to forfeiture proceedings.
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