The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured the permanent forfeiture of assets valued at more than ₦2 billion and obtained a separate court victory reaffirming the statutory powers of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal offences without interference.
The two landmark judgments, delivered by courts in Abuja, were secured through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, and are expected to strengthen the country’s criminal justice system and anti-financial crime efforts.
In the first ruling, delivered on May 14, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted a permanent forfeiture order against assets linked to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde, a financial sector employee, and her alleged accomplices in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026.
The forfeited assets, valued at over ₦2 billion, include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles and real estate properties located across Lagos, Osun and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the police, 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 related development, 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 against ongoing police investigations and prosecution efforts.
In his ruling, Justice Kawu held that the courts should not be used to frustrate the lawful discharge of police duties or shield individuals accused of criminal conduct from prosecution.
The judgment clears the way for the INTERPOL NCB to continue the prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
Reacting to the judgments, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating financial crimes through effective investigations, international cooperation and strict enforcement of the law.
Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, said the Force would continue to deploy all lawful measures and global policing partnerships to safeguard Nigeria’s economic integrity and bring financial criminals to justice.
