Court Dismisses Emefiele’s Bid to Reclaim Forfeited Abuja Estate

In a significant legal development, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has dismissed an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to reclaim ownership of a luxurious estate consisting of 753 duplexes and apartments situated in Lokogoma District, Abuja. The estate, spread across 150,462.84 square metres, was earlier forfeited to the Federal Government through orders secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday, April 28, 2025, firmly reinforced the legality of the property’s forfeiture and the due process followed in securing it. Emefiele, who is currently entangled in multiple corruption trials, had approached the court as an “interested party,” seeking to challenge the forfeiture and regain control of the estate, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone CO9, Lokogoma District.

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Emefiele Challenges Forfeiture on Grounds of Ignorance

Emefiele’s counsel, A.M. Kotoye (SAN), filed the application for an extension of time to challenge two previous forfeiture orders made on December 2 and December 24, 2024, respectively. He argued that his client had no knowledge of the proceedings that led to the interim and final forfeiture of the property.

In his submission, Kotoye claimed that the EFCC had intentionally published the notice of forfeiture in an “obscure section” of The PUNCH newspaper, making it difficult for Emefiele or his legal representatives to discover it in time. He added that Emefiele had been preoccupied with three separate criminal trials in both Abuja and Lagos courts during the time, and that this hindered his ability to monitor all legal notices and developments effectively.

The former apex bank chief also accused the EFCC of concealing the forfeiture process, despite their ongoing legal and procedural engagements with him concerning other charges. Emefiele contended that the EFCC should have informed him directly of any such action involving assets allegedly linked to him.

Court Rules Publication Was Sufficient and Transparent

Justice Onwuegbuzie, in a comprehensive ruling, rejected all the grounds advanced by Emefiele and his legal team. The judge stated unequivocally that the EFCC had complied with all legal notice requirements as stipulated under Section 17(2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

He particularly took issue with the argument that the publication of the forfeiture notice was obscure, stating:

“A half-page publication in a national daily like The PUNCH cannot reasonably be described as hidden. The requirement of publication in a newspaper of national circulation was met, and the EFCC followed due process.”

He further clarified that once the legal publication was made, it was the responsibility of any interested party to take timely action. The judge pointed out that Emefiele had more than the legally prescribed 14 days to contest the forfeiture but failed to act within that window.

No Sufficient Legal Interest Demonstrated

Another crucial element in the court’s decision was the absence of demonstrable legal interest in the property by Emefiele. Justice Onwuegbuzie cited judicial precedents and principles akin to joinder rules in civil litigation, asserting that only those who can prove a legally cognizable interest in a forfeited asset may apply to intervene.

In this case, the court observed that Emefiele had not provided sufficient documentation or ownership proof that would elevate his interest beyond speculation or association. “Mere assertion is not enough. The court must be shown concrete evidence of title or claim,” the judge stated.

Motion Dismissed, Victory for EFCC

The court therefore resolved the sole issue in favour of the EFCC and dismissed Emefiele’s motion in its entirety. Legal analysts are calling the decision a major win for the anti-graft agency in its continued effort to recover assets linked to alleged corruption under past administrations.

The EFCC had originally secured both the interim and final forfeiture of the estate as part of its broader investigation into misappropriated public funds. While the property was initially recovered from an unnamed senior government official, the commission has not ruled out Emefiele’s involvement or interest in the property.

Broader Legal and Political Implications

This latest setback for Godwin Emefiele comes amid mounting legal woes. The former CBN governor is already facing multiple criminal trials related to abuse of office, unlawful foreign exchange transactions, and procurement irregularities during his tenure. His bid to reclaim this high-value estate was widely seen as part of a larger legal strategy to recover assets and defend his reputation.

Legal experts believe the ruling sets a critical precedent for asset recovery proceedings in Nigeria. It underlines the importance of public notice through national dailies and reaffirms the court’s position that compliance with statutory publication is sufficient, regardless of whether a particular individual claims not to have seen it.

As the EFCC celebrates a judicial victory, and Emefiele’s legal challenges intensify, observers are closely watching the unfolding legal drama that may further shape Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape.