The Federal High Court in Lagos State has scheduled a ruling for November 1, 2024, on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application for the final forfeiture of $2.045 million, several prime properties, and shares belonging to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele.
On that date, the court will also decide on Emefiele’s request for a stay of proceedings. The court had previously authorized the EFCC to temporarily seize the assets on August 15, 2024, directing the agency to publish the interim forfeiture order to allow interested parties to contest the forfeiture.
During a recent hearing, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) presented the application for final forfeiture, asserting that the interested party had not contested it. In response, Olalekan Ojo, representing Emefiele, argued that there was sufficient evidence to prevent the final forfeiture of the properties.
The court earlier rejected Emefiele’s request to stay proceedings while his appeal against the temporary forfeiture was pending. Justice Deinde Dipeolu ruled that interested parties could approach the Court of Appeal but clarified that the trial court had yet to make a substantive decision.
Justice Dipeolu dismissed the application for a stay, emphasizing that an appeal must arise from a decision made by the trial court.
Emefiele’s counsel had argued for the stay to avoid potential judicial errors, but Oyedepo countered, stating that Emefiele’s appeal was premature and lacked the necessary court permission.
