The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier obtained an interim forfeiture order for the estate, which was initially linked to an unnamed former government official. However, Emefiele, through his legal counsel A.M. Kotoye, argues that he was wrongly excluded from the proceedings, despite having an interest in the property.
“I was unaware of the forfeiture,” Emefiele told the court, adding that the EFCC’s notice was published in an obscure section of a newspaper, making it difficult for him to detect. He also cited his involvement in multiple criminal cases across Abuja and Lagos as a reason for missing the publication.
Emefiele has accused the EFCC of deliberately concealing the case from him, even as they continued to engage him on other charges.
The trial court, however, rejected Emefiele’s claims, ruling that the EFCC had followed due process and that the newspaperpublication met legal requirements. The judge insisted the notice “could not reasonably be described as hidden.”
Now, Emefiele is asking the Court of Appeal to:
Reverse the judgment delivered on April 28, 2025,
Nullify the interim and final forfeiture orders issued on November 1 and December 2, 2024, respectively,
And grant his application filed on January 28, 2025.
He contends that the trial court misinterpreted his case and dismissed it without proper consideration of key evidence, insisting the forfeiture orders were based on “hearsay, suspicion, and no proper evidence.”
“The entire ruling is a miscarriage of justice,” Emefiele declared, arguing that the orders were made in violation of the 1999 Constitution and are, therefore, null and void.
Emefiele’s legal team has also written to the Minister of Housing, urging the government to suspend plans to auction the estate to low- and middle-income Nigerians until the appeal is resolved.
“We are aware that the properties may soon be sold to the public. We have already served the EFCC with a notice of appeal and an injunction,” the letter read.
The federal government recently announced plans to auction the estate as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.
