Police Secure N2bn Asset Forfeiture as Court Upholds Investigative Powers
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of assets worth more than ₦2 billion linked to a financial sector employee, while also dismissing a fundamental rights enforcement suit seeking to restrain the Nigeria Police Force from carrying out its statutory investigative duties.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, announced that the two judgments represent significant legal victories in the fight against financial crimes and reinforce the powers of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal offences.
In one of the judgments, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on May 14, 2026, the court granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets belonging to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her alleged accomplices in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026.
According to the police, the assets forfeited to the Federal Government are valued at over ₦2 billion and include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles and real estate properties located in Lagos, Osun and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The police disclosed that the principal suspect is currently being held at the Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre and is facing charges bordering on fraud and money laundering.
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In a separate ruling delivered on May 13, 2026, Justice Bello Kawu dismissed a ₦100 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by a United States-based suspect, David Imole Averehi, against the Nigeria Police Force and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of INTERPOL.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4119/45, sought reliefs against ongoing police investigations and prosecution efforts.
Justice Kawu held that the courts should not be used to frustrate lawful police investigations or provide protection for individuals alleged to be involved in criminal activities.
The ruling effectively cleared the way for the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, to continue with the prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
Reacting to the judgments, the Nigeria Police Force described the decisions as a reaffirmation of the legal powers vested in law enforcement agencies to investigate financial crimes and ensure accountability.
The Force also reiterated its commitment to combating economic and financial crimes through effective investigations, international collaboration and the application of relevant laws.
The police stated that it would continue to leverage its partnership with international law enforcement bodies and deploy all lawful measures to track, investigate and prosecute financial criminals in order to safeguard Nigeria’s economic integrity.
By PRNigeria
