Court Orders Forfeiture Of ₦2Bn Assets, Backs Police Investigative Powers
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured two significant court victories, including the permanent forfeiture of assets worth more than ₦2 billion linked to an alleged fraud and money laundering case.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the NPF also secured a ruling affirming its authority to carry out criminal investigations without interference.
Placid said the judgments, obtained through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, represent major milestones in the fight against financial crime and the enforcement of criminal justice.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted a permanent forfeiture order on May 14, 2026, against assets belonging to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her alleged accomplices in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026.
The forfeited assets, valued at over ₦2 billion, include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles and landed properties located in Lagos, Osun and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the police, the principal suspect is currently being held at the Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre and is facing charges bordering on fraud and money laundering.
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 to challenge police actions against the suspect. However, the court ruled that judicial processes should not be used to obstruct statutory law enforcement duties or shield individuals from criminal prosecution.
The judgment clears the way for the INTERPOL NCB Abuja to continue the prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
The police described the rulings as a reaffirmation of law enforcement powers and pledged to continue working with international partners to combat financial crimes and safeguard Nigeria’s economic integrity.
