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Appeal court overturns forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties

Published

6 months ago

June 16, 2025

Godwin Emefiele

Appeal court overturns forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties

In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal in Lagos has overturned the final forfeiture order placed on properties linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The decision comes several months after a Federal High Court had ruled that the said assets be permanently forfeited to the federal government. That initial order was part of a wider investigation into alleged financial misconduct during Emefiele’s tenure at the apex bank.

On November 1, 2024, Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos had ordered the final forfeiture of several properties, including $2.045 million, seven prime properties in Lagos and Delta states, and two share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, alleging they were acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.

Among the forfeited assets were two duplexes in Lekki Phase 1, multiple properties in Ikoyi, a large industrial complex in Delta State, and luxury apartments in Lagos.

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Dissatisfied with the judgment, Emefiele approached the appellate court, challenging the decision. His legal counsel, Olalekan Ojo, argued that the trial judge failed to properly evaluate the evidence before granting the EFCC’s request for forfeiture.

EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, maintained that Emefiele failed to show how he legitimately acquired the properties and did not provide evidence of financial transactions linking him directly to the properties, most of which were acquired in the names of various companies.

Delivering judgment on April 9, 2025, a two-to-one majority decision of the appellate court, led by Justice Abdulazeez Anka, ruled that Emefiele’s legitimate earnings, including his income from Zenith Bank and 10 years as CBN governor, were sufficient to acquire the properties.

The court therefore set aside the final forfeiture order, except for the $2,045,000, which Emefiele did not contest. That sum remains forfeited to the federal government.

The appeal court further ordered a retrial at the lower court, directing both parties to present oral evidence for a fresh hearing.

Appeal court overturns forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties

Related Topics:Appeal Court Emefiele forfeiture

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.