RismadarVoice Reporters, June 4, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has secured a court order for the permanent forfeiture of assets worth over ₦2 billion linked to an alleged fraud and money laundering case, while also recording a legal victory affirming its authority to investigate criminal matters without interference.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the judgments were delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the statement, Justice Emeka Nwite on May 14, 2026, granted a permanent forfeiture order against assets belonging to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde, a financial sector employee, and her alleged accomplices in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026.
The forfeited assets, valued at more than ₦2 billion, include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real estate properties located in Lagos, Osun, Delta states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Police said 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 separate ruling delivered on May 13, 2026, Justice Bello Kawu 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, INTERPOL.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4119/45, sought to challenge police actions in an ongoing investigation.
Justice Kawu held that the court could not be used to obstruct statutory police duties or shield individuals under criminal investigation from prosecution, the police said.
The ruling clears the way for the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, to continue the prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
The Police described the judgments as significant victories in the fight against financial crimes and reaffirmed their commitment to working with international partners to combat fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to leveraging international partnerships and the full force of the law to pursue financial criminals and protect Nigeria’s economic integrity,” the statement added.
