A Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, has ordered the final forfeiture of two luxury vehicles — a white Bentley Coupe and a blue Toyota Venza — linked to a suspected internet fraudster, German Daniel Onoriede.
The court also granted an interim forfeiture of $20,000 (Twenty Thousand U.S. Dollars), CFA 110,000, and a blue Nissan Almera vehicle, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
The orders followed an ex-parte motion filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel H.U. Kofarnaisa.
In an affidavit presented by EFCC investigator Bufa Okangbe, the Commission detailed how Onoriede evaded arrest during a sting operation conducted on August 14, 2023, at Ocean Bay Estate, Lekki. Two vehicles — the Bentley and the Toyota Venza — were recovered from his apartment. Investigators also uncovered import documents indicating that the Bentley was acquired using proceeds from fraudulent activities.
Further financial analysis revealed that over ₦500 million was funneled into Onoriede’s various bank accounts between 2018 and 2023.
On the interim forfeiture, EFCC investigator Solomon Usman disclosed that a separate operation led by the Nigeria Customs Service on July 13, 2025, at the Seme border area resulted in the discovery of the foreign currencies inside an abandoned Nissan Almera. The suspect, believed to be a fraudster, fled the scene upon sighting operatives.
Justice Dipeolu, satisfied with the evidence provided, granted both forfeiture applications. For the interim order, he also directed the EFCC to publish the details in a national newspaper to allow any interested party to come forward and show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
