A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $1.4 million linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
On Thursday, March 6, Justice Olayinka Faji ruled that the sum, totaling $1,426,175.14, was the result of unlawful activities and must be surrendered to the Federal Government. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Bilkisu Bahari-Bala, informed the court that the money was found in the account of Donatone Limited at Titan Trust Bank (Account No. 2000000500) and that investigations confirmed its link to fraudulent activities.
In an affidavit filed by EFCC investigator David Jayeoba, it was revealed that intelligence reports led to the discovery of the concealed funds. “Investigations showed that Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi were among those behind the fraudulent concealment of funds, which were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities tied to the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele,” Jayeoba stated.
The EFCC alleged that Emefiele had recruited both men to hide and disguise the funds. “They used Donatone Ltd to collect bribes and kickbacks on behalf of Emefiele to obtain approval for accessing Forex,” the investigator added.
Justice Faji had previously issued an interim forfeiture order on May 30, 2024, before making the final forfeiture ruling on Thursday.