Police secure final forfeiture of ₦2bn assets linked to alleged fraud scheme

The Nigeria police force has obtained a court order for the permanent forfeiture of assets valued at more than ₦2 billion linked to an alleged fraud and money laundering case.

According to the police, the federal high court in Abuja granted the order on May 14, 2026, following legal proceedings involving Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde, identified as a financial sector employee, and several associates.

In a statement issued on Thursday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force public relations officer’s office, through spokesperson Anthony Placid, the police said the assets were traced to suspected proceeds of fraudulent activities and money laundering.

The forfeited assets include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles and landed properties located across Lagos, Osun and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Police said Yetunde is currently being held at the Suleja correctional centre while facing charges related to the alleged offences.

In a separate development, the police also recorded a legal victory after an FCT High Court dismissed a N100 million fundamental rights suit filed by David Imole Averehi, a Nigerian resident in the United States.

The suit sought to challenge police actions against him, but the court ruled that fundamental rights enforcement procedures cannot be used to obstruct lawful criminal investigations or shield suspects from prosecution.

The judgment clears the way for the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja to continue criminal proceedings against Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.

The police described both court decisions as significant steps in ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and strengthen accountability within the country’s justice system.