Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi has issued a final forfeiture order for 20 cars stolen from Canada and brought into Nigeria. The cars are to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, following a motion on notice filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released by the commission on July 17, 2024, it was disclosed that Justice Dipeolu's decision came after a series of legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC. The court had earlier on May 27, 2024, granted an interim forfeiture order and directed the publication of the order in national newspapers to notify any interested persons to appear and show cause why the properties should not be finally forfeited.
The vehicles listed for final forfeiture include a range of high-end models: Black SUV 400, White 4MATIC Mercedes Benz, SUV MDX SH-AWD Acura, Grey SUV RS 350L Lexus, Deep Blue SUV RX 350 Lexus, White Toyota 4Runner 2015, White 2020 model Lexus RX 350, White 2019 Lexus RX 350, Black 2020 Model Lexus RX350, Black Honda Ridgeline 2017 Model, White Lexus RX 350 SPORT 2019 Model, Grey Lexus RX 350 2019 Model, Grey Toyota 4Runner 2018 Model, White Lexus RX 350 FS Sport 2019 Model, White Toyota Highlander XLE AWD 2017 Model, Black Toyota Highlander 2020 Model, Black Toyota Highlander 2018 Model, Black Mercedes Benz G550 2019 Model, Red Lexus RX 350 2016 Model, and White Mercedes Benz GLA 250 2018 Model.
During the court session on July 15, 2024, the EFCC, represented by counsel R.A. Abdulrasheed, informed the court that all necessary legal procedures, including publication of the interim forfeiture order, had been duly followed. The application for final forfeiture was supported by a detailed affidavit deposed to by Olufemi Olukini, an investigator with the EFCC, and a comprehensive written address.
According to the EFCC's affidavit, the investigation revealed that these vehicles, identified by their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), were stolen from various locations in Canada and illegally shipped to Nigeria between March and June 2022. The EFCC's intelligence team, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), had monitored and intercepted some of these vehicles at Nigerian ports and various car stands across Lagos.
No individuals or entities came forward to claim ownership of the vehicles during the legal proceedings. The EFCC further stated that most of the stolen vehicles were insured, and the insurance companies had indemnified the original owners. Consequently, the insurance companies delegated their interests to the RCMP liaison officer at the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria to pursue restitution.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu granted the EFCC's application for final forfeiture, thereby empowering the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Nigeria or its designated officer to dispose of the forfeited properties. The disposal may involve sale or return to the victims, with a requirement to remit two percent of the proceeds to the EFCC Recovery Account.
The forfeiture of these vehicles underscores Nigeria's commitment to combating transnational crimes and ensuring that ill-gotten assets do not benefit criminals or their associates. The EFCC continues to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of economic crimes, including the illicit importation of stolen vehicles into the country.
As the judicial process concludes, the EFCC remains vigilant in its efforts to recover assets acquired through unlawful means and uphold the rule of law in Nigeria's justice system.
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