By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured a permanent forfeiture order on assets worth over N2 billion linked to an alleged fraud and money laundering case, while also recording a legal victory in a separate fundamental rights suit filed by a United States-based suspect.
The Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, disclosed on Thursday that the judgments were delivered in two separate cases by courts in Abuja, describing the rulings as significant milestones in the fight against financial crimes and efforts to strengthen criminal justice administration in the country.
According to the Police, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted a permanent forfeiture order on May 14, 2026, against assets belonging to one Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde, a financial sector employee, and her alleged accomplices.
The judgment, delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026, covers assets valued at more than N2 billion located across Lagos, Osun and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The forfeited properties include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles and real estate assets.
Police authorities stated that the principal suspect is currently being held at the Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre and is facing prosecution on charges bordering on fraud and money laundering.
In a separate ruling, Justice Bello Kawu of the High Court of the FCT dismissed a N100 million fundamental rights enforcement suit instituted against the Nigeria Police Force and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of INTERPOL by one David Imole Averehi, an American-based suspect.
The case, marked FCT/HC/CV/4119/45, sought to restrain the Police from carrying out further investigations and prosecution. However, the court held that fundamental rights proceedings could not be used as a shield against legitimate criminal investigations or to obstruct law enforcement agencies from performing their statutory duties.
The ruling clears the way for the Police to continue the prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the outcomes reaffirm the powers of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute financial crimes without undue interference.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to work with international partners and deploy all lawful means to track, investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes in order to safeguard Nigeria’s economic system and public trust.
This come amid ongoing efforts by security and anti-crime agencies to strengthen the country’s response to fraud, money laundering and other forms of transnational financial crimes.