The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured an interim forfeiture order from a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for the sum of ₦31 million and four properties allegedly linked to proceeds of unlawful activities by one Obiajulu Emmanuel.
Justice Alexander Owoeye granted the order on May 8, 2025, following an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1. The application was argued by EFCC counsel, C.C. Okezie, who informed the court that the commission’s investigation revealed the funds and properties were reasonably suspected to be derived from criminal conduct.
The EFCC supported its motion with an eight-paragraph affidavit sworn by investigating officer Yusuf Hassan. Justice Owoeye, after reviewing the submission and supporting documents, ruled in favour of the commission.
“Having been fully persuaded with the evidence presented before the court, the application is hereby granted,” the judge stated.
The forfeited properties include a four-bedroom terrace duplex, a three-bedroom terrace duplex, as well as several one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment units, all situated in various locations across Lagos State.
Justice Owoeye 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 court directed.
This development underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on financial crimes and recover assets believed to be proceeds of illicit activity.
