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Appeal court overturns forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties

Published

7 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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VIDEO: Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

Published

11 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

VIDEO: Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

A resident in Umuahia, Abia State, caused a scene at a church night vigil after storming the premises wielding a cutlass, protesting excessive noise pollution from loud prayers and music. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has sparked discussions on community rights, public safety, and noise regulations in Nigeria.

The viral clip shows the man entering the church compound, angrily gesturing at worshippers while attempting to halt the service. No injuries were reported during the disruption, though members of the congregation appeared shocked. Netizens have reacted strongly, with some sympathising with his frustration over persistent loud noise, while others condemned his approach as unsafe and unlawful.

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This incident reflects a broader problem across Nigeria, where loud church programs in residential areas often generate complaints. Experts emphasise that while freedom of worship is guaranteed, it must coexist with residents’ rights to peace and quiet, with regulatory bodies like NESREA enforcing noise limits to protect public health.

Authorities are reviewing the video footage to determine if any legal action is warranted, while local church and community leaders plan discussions to prevent future confrontations. The episode highlights the need for effective conflict resolution between religious institutions and neighbouring residents over noise complaints.

Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

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VIDEO: Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

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FCT Residents Applaud FG’s Efforts as Food Prices Drop Across Abuja Markets

Published

13 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

FCT Residents Applaud FG’s Efforts as Food Prices Drop Across Abuja Markets

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have praised the Federal Government (FG) for measures that have led to a noticeable drop in food prices, offering relief to families grappling with high living costs.

Market surveys in Abuja’s major markets, including Garki, Wuse, and Lugbe, indicate that prices of staple items such as rice, beans, yam flour, and gari have fallen significantly. For instance, a bag of rice now sells for around ₦55,000, down from ₦76,000 in previous months, while beans and gari have also seen substantial price reductions.

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Traders and residents credited the price decline to government interventions, including support for farmers, import waivers on key commodities, and improved security in farming regions, which have boosted food supply in the markets. The ongoing harvest season has further contributed to increased availability of staple foods, helping to stabilize costs.

While the reduction has been welcomed, many consumers urge the government to ensure the sustainability of lower prices, noting previous cycles where food costs surged again after temporary dips. Economists stress that consistent policies on agriculture, distribution, and market monitoring will be crucial to maintain affordability for low- and middle-income households.

FCT Residents Applaud FG’s Efforts as Food Prices Drop Across Abuja Markets

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Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in London Court Ahead of £100,000 Bribery Trial

Published

13 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke

Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in London Court Ahead of £100,000 Bribery Trial

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, appeared in a London court on Monday for preliminary proceedings in her £100,000 bribery case, one of the most high-profile corruption trials involving a former Nigerian government official.

Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015 and was the first woman to lead OPEC, attended Southwark Crown Court before Justice Thornton as the court prepared for jury selection and other formalities ahead of the full trial, scheduled to begin January 26, 2026.

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The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) alleges that Alison-Madueke accepted £100,000 in cash, luxury vehicles, private jet flights, designer goods, and other benefits in exchange for awarding lucrative oil and gas contracts while in office. She has denied all charges, and has been on bail since 2015.

Two co-defendants, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, are also facing bribery charges linked to the case. Agama appeared via video link, while Ayinde was present in the dock. The trial is expected to last 10–12 weeks.

This latest hearing comes amid continued international scrutiny of Diezani’s assets. In January 2025, Nigeria and the United States secured the repatriation of $52.88 million in assets tied to her, while the EFCC continues to pursue related funds within Nigeria. Legal analysts say the case underscores the increasing cross-border efforts to fight corruption and hold former public officials accountable.