RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The Federal High Court in Lagos has reportedly ordered the final forfeiture of two luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles and several electronic devices linked to convicted internet fraudster Ifeanyi Franklyn Arinze to the Federal Government.
Justice Yelim Bogoro was said to have granted the order on Monday, November 9, following an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The affected vehicles include a white Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 AMG and a grey Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 AMG.
Other items listed for forfeiture are an iPhone 17 Pro Max, a Samsung Fold 7, an iPhone 13 and an iPad.
According to the EFCC’s account, the assets were suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
The commission, represented by counsel C.C. Okezie, supported its application with an affidavit sworn by an investigator, Buluebiere Karamo.
The affidavit alleged that Arinze coordinated an internet fraud syndicate operating in Lagos and used the identity “Tonya” to communicate with victims in the United States.
Investigators claimed that victims were instructed to operate financial accounts involving Zelle, Apple Pay, PayPal, Cash App and Venmo.
The EFCC further alleged that funds were transferred through an intermediary identified as “Chinko Applepay,” who subsequently facilitated payments into Arinze’s Nigerian bank account.
According to the commission, Arinze allegedly retained 10 per cent of the proceeds as commission.
An analysis of his Kuda Bank account reportedly revealed total inflows of ₦2,149,495,381.42 between August 2022 and February 2026.
The agency also alleged that investigators identified 49 Gmail accounts and several social media profiles linked to his activities.
Arinze had previously been arrested in April 2024 and subsequently convicted in June of that year after pleading guilty to computer-related fraud charges.
However, the EFCC alleged that he continued engaging in fraudulent activities after the conviction, prompting further investigations.
The court reportedly granted an interim forfeiture order on July 17, 2026, directing the commission to publish a notice inviting interested parties to contest the seizure.
The EFCC said the notice was published in The Guardian on September 16, but no individual or organisation came forward to challenge the proposed forfeiture.
Following the application and consideration of the affidavit evidence, Justice Bogoro reportedly granted the final forfeiture of the listed properties to the Federal Government.
The ₦2.15 billion figure represents alleged account inflows and should not be interpreted as the proven value of the forfeited assets or the amount established to have been stolen.
