Two landmark court judgments have bolstered the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts against financial crimes, with the Federal High Court ordering the permanent forfeiture of assets valued at over ₦2 billion and another court affirming the police’s statutory powers to investigate and prosecute criminal suspects without interference.
The judgments, secured through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, were described by the police as significant milestones in the fight against financial crimes and the protection of Nigeria’s economic integrity.
In the first case, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on May 14, 2026, granted a permanent forfeiture order over assets valued at more than ₦2 billion linked to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her alleged accomplices in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026.
According to police authorities, the forfeited assets are spread across Lagos, Osun and Delta states as well as the Federal Capital Territory and include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles and real estate properties.
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.
In a separate but related legal victory, Justice Bello Kawu, on May 13, 2026, 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 that police authorities argued could impede ongoing criminal investigations and prosecution.
Delivering judgment, the court held that fundamental rights proceedings cannot be used as a shield against lawful criminal investigations or to obstruct statutory law enforcement responsibilities.
The ruling effectively cleared the way for the INTERPOL National Central Bureau to continue its prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
Commenting on the judgments, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the decisions reaffirmed the judiciary’s support for legitimate law enforcement efforts and underscored the consequences of financial crimes.
“These landmark judgments represent significant victories not only for the Nigeria Police Force but also for the rule of law and the nation’s criminal justice system,” Placid said.
According to him, the permanent forfeiture order demonstrates that proceeds of crime can be traced, recovered and ultimately returned to the state through due legal process.
“The forfeiture of assets valued at over ₦2 billion sends a strong message that criminally acquired wealth will not be allowed to remain in the hands of offenders. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that those who engage in fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes do not benefit from the proceeds of their unlawful activities,” he stated.
On the dismissal of the fundamental rights suit, Placid said the judgment reaffirmed the powers granted to law enforcement agencies under Nigerian law.
“The court’s decision makes it clear that judicial processes cannot be deployed to frustrate legitimate criminal investigations or shield suspects from accountability. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to carrying out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities professionally, lawfully and without fear or favour,” he said.
The police spokesperson further noted that the Force would continue to leverage international cooperation, intelligence sharing and legal mechanisms to track, investigate and prosecute financial criminals operating within and outside Nigeria.
“We will continue to work closely with our international partners and relevant agencies to ensure that financial crimes are thoroughly investigated, illicit assets are recovered and offenders are brought to justice. Protecting Nigeria’s economic integrity remains a core priority for the Force,” Placid added.
He assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force would sustain ongoing efforts to combat economic and financial crimes while strengthening public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system. “The Force remains resolute in deploying every lawful means available to pursue financial criminals, recover the proceeds of crime and safeguard the nation’s economic interests,” he said
