On Friday, the Federal High Court in Lagos refused to halt proceedings in a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which seeks the forfeiture of properties and funds linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), had requested a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal filed with the Court of Appeal to overturn an earlier temporary forfeiture order. However, Justice Deinde Dipeolu ruled that while parties have the right to appeal, such appeals must be based on decisions made by the trial court. In this instance, no substantive ruling had been issued yet.
Justice Dipeolu dismissed Ojo’s application to stay proceedings. During the last court session, Ojo had argued that continuing with the case without awaiting the appeal would result in “judicial rascality.”
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the request, stating that Emefiele had not secured a valid appeal, as no formal ruling had been made that could be appealed. Oyedepo added that Emefiele had merely “dumped documents” at the Court of Appeal, urging the court to proceed with the case. He also emphasized that Emefiele had not sought the court’s leave, which is required for appeals based on mixed issues of fact and law.
Justice Dipeolu set Friday, October 11, for a ruling on the matter.
In an earlier ruling on August 15, 2024, the court had authorized the EFCC to temporarily seize $2.045 million, several properties, and shares linked to Emefiele. The EFCC had claimed that these assets were suspected to be proceeds of illegal activities. Justice Akintayo Aluko, who presided over the case as the vacation judge, had ordered the interim forfeiture of these assets, including luxury properties in Lekki and Ikoyi, Lagos, and an industrial complex under construction in Agbor, Delta State.
The court had also ordered the publication of the forfeiture notice in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to challenge the final forfeiture. At a subsequent hearing, Ojo appeared as counsel for Emefiele, seeking to halt further proceedings in the case. Another lawyer, Chibuzor Opara, represented the occupants of one of the properties in Ikoyi, Lagos.