Nigeria Police secure landmark asset forfeiture judgment worth over N2bn and another ruling dismissing a fraud suspect’s court challenge
The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, has secured two significant Federal High Court judgments in Abuja, reinforcing its asset recovery operations and strengthening enforcement against financial crimes.
In one of the rulings delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on May 14, 2026, the court granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets valued at over N2 billion linked to a financial sector employee, Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde, and her associates.
The forfeited properties span several states, including Lagos, Osun, Delta, and the Federal Capital Territory, and comprise bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real estate assets identified as proceeds of alleged fraud and money laundering.
The principal suspect is currently being held at the Suleja Correctional Centre while facing prosecution for financial crimes, including fraud and money laundering.
In a related judgment delivered on May 13, 2026, Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a N100 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by American-based suspect David Imole Averehi against the Nigeria Police Force and the Assistant Inspector General of Police attached to INTERPOL.
The court held that judicial processes cannot be used to obstruct lawful police duties or provide protection for individuals accused of criminal activity, thereby allowing investigators to proceed with prosecution for obtaining money under false pretences.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, the rulings represent a major boost to Nigeria’s legal framework for tackling financial crimes and recovering illicit assets.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging international partnerships and legal instruments to pursue financial offenders and safeguard the country’s economic integrity.
