A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that $1.4 million linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, must be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Ayokunle Faji upheld the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s claim that the funds were proceeds of fraudulent activities.
The judge ruled in favour of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which had established the illegitimacy of the funds.
The EFCC, represented by counsel Bilkisu Bahri-Bala, presented evidence that $1,426,175.14 was found in the account of Donatone Limited at Titan Trust Bank (Account No. 2000000500), and investigations confirmed the money was linked to fraudulent activities.
An affidavit deposed by EFCC investigator David Jayeoba revealed that intelligence reports led to the discovery of funds concealed in Donatone Limited’s account.
According to Jayeoba, the investigation uncovered a scheme involving Emefiele and his associates, including Donatone Limited directors Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi, who allegedly helped hide and disguise the proceeds of illicit activities.
Between 2021 and 2022, when foreign exchange was scarce in Nigeria, many international companies struggled to access forex.
The EFCC alleged that Emefiele and his associates collected bribes and kickbacks from businesses seeking forex approvals.One such entity, identified as (NP), reportedly paid $26,552,000 into Donatone Limited’s account at Titan Trust Bank.
Justice Faji had previously issued an interim forfeiture order on May 30, 2024, before ruling on the permanent forfeiture of the funds.
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