Police secure permanent forfeiture of N2bn assets linked to fraud

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the permanent forfeiture of N2 billion in assets linked to fraud and money laundering. In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 14, 2026, granted the permanent forfeiture of assets belonging to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her accomplices.

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A statement issued by force spokesperson Anthony Placid described Yetunde as a “financial sector staff member.” Placid said Yetunde is currently remanded at the Suleja correctional custodial centre over charges pertaining to alleged fraud and money laundering.

“On Tuesday, 14 May 2026, Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets valued at over ₦2 Billion belonging to financial sector staff member Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her accomplices (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026),” the statement reads. “The forfeited assets, spanning Lagos, Osun, Delta States, and the FCT, include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real estate.”

In a separate development, the force spokesperson said a Federal Capital Territory High Court has dismissed the N100 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by David Imole Averehi, an American-based suspect. Placid said Justice Bello Kawu, the presiding judge, held that the court cannot be used to obstruct statutory police duties or shield individuals engaged in criminal conduct from justice.

The force spokesperson said the court ruling enables the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja to “proceed with prosecuting Averehi for obtaining money under false pretences.”