EFCC Fights Back Against Emefiele's Attempt to Dismiss $2.04m Asset Seizure in Court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele.

The application sought to halt the forfeiture of assets linked to him, including $2.045 million, seven properties, and various shares.

This move followed a court order on August 25th, 2024, which authorized the EFCC to temporarily seize these assets.

Emefiele's legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo, requested a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal. Ojo argued, “We are urging your lordship to stay proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the appeal court in order to avoid judicial rascality.”

However, the EFCC's counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, countered that no formal appeal had been filed, stating, “I submit with due respect that the defendant just went to dump mere documents in the registry of the Appeal Court.

Therefore, I urge the court to hold that there is no appeal.” The court has scheduled a ruling on this matter for October 11th.