Title: APPEAL COURT OVERTURNS FINAL FORFEITURE OF EMEFIELE’S ASSETS, ORDERS FRESH TRIAL Date Published: 16 June 2025 Description: He further held that the income of the appellant was more than enough to buy up the properties in question and even more.Speaking further, he stated that he also noticed that Emefiele declared his, and his wife’s code of conduct forms, attached to the counter affidavit, indicating his and his wife’s properties and assets.The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has overturned the final forfeiture of assets belonging to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to the Federal Government. In a split decision delivered on April 9, 2025, the appellate court set aside the November 1, 2024 judgment of the Federal High Court and ordered a retrial.Emefiele had challenged the EFCC’s successful bid to forfeit several high-value properties in Lagos, including duplexes in Lekki and Ikoyi, and an undeveloped land on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive. His appeal, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), centered on claims that the trial judge failed to fairly evaluate his affidavit evidence and establish his ownership interests.The Court of Appeal, in its majority judgment by Justices Abdulazeez Anka and Mohammed Mustapha, ruled that there were conflicting facts that warranted oral testimony and cross-examination, rather than reliance on affidavit evidence alone. They affirmed that Emefiele’s declared earnings, including over ₦1.7 billion severance from Zenith Bank and ₦350 million annual pay at the CBN, were sufficient to acquire the disputed properties.While setting aside the final forfeiture of the properties, the appellate court upheld the forfeiture of $2,045,000, which Emefiele did not contest.The case has now been remitted to the Federal High Court for a full rehearing.  Attached Images: 591b56d39b6e81b9eda346df15b9c4a0f3e9dc051659878eba03c41e53170b8f.jpg Attached Video: None