A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the interim forfeiture of N31 million and four properties allegedly acquired by Obiajulu Emmanuel through the proceeds of unlawful activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a statement on Monday, revealed that the ruling was delivered by Justice Alexander Owoeye on May 8, 2025. The decision followed an ex-parte motion filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC and argued by the Commission’s counsel, C.C. Okezie.
EFCC Presents Evidence Supporting Criminal Proceeds
Okezie informed the court that the application was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit sworn by EFCC investigating officer Yusuf Hassan. She stated that the funds and properties were believed to be products of criminal activities.
“The properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities,” she said during the hearing.
After reviewing the application and accompanying evidence, Justice Owoeye granted the request, stating: “Having been fully persuaded with the evidence presented before the court, the application is hereby granted.”
The affected properties include a four-bedroom terrace duplex, a three-bedroom terrace duplex, and several one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments located across Lagos.
The judge further directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper to allow any interested parties to contest the ruling.
“The Commission is hereby directed to publish the interim order in any national newspaper to allow interested persons to show cause why the funds and property should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government,” the judge ruled.
