The 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 to the Federal Government.

Justice Ayokunle Faji issued the order after hearing an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This ruling follows another recent decision by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who ordered the forfeiture of over N12.18 billion in money and properties linked to Emefiele.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari-Bala urged Justice Faji to grant the final forfeiture order for the funds, which were held in an account with Titan Trust Limited. The EFCC’s application was based on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006 and Section 44 (2)(B) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

Buhari-Bala argued that the $1.4 million represented proceeds of unlawful activities. The application was supported by an affidavit from David Jayeoba, an EFCC Investigating Officer, who detailed how the commission traced the funds to Donatone Limited’s account at Titan Trust Bank. He alleged that the funds were part of a larger scheme involving Emefiele and his associates, who concealed, retained, and disguised the proceeds of unlawful activities.

Jayeoba’s affidavit also outlined specific transactions, including payments totaling $26.55 million into Donatone Limited’s account between November 2021 and September 2022. He explained that the funds were laundered through foreign accounts and then returned to Nigeria.

The EFCC secured an interim forfeiture order on May 29, 2024, which was published in the Punch Newspaper on June 6, 2024. In his ruling, Justice Faji stated, “Having been satisfied with the application and submission of counsel, I hereby grant the prayer for the final forfeiture of the said funds in question.”