The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured the permanent forfeiture of assets worth more than ₦2 billion linked to an alleged fraud and money laundering case, while also recording a separate court victory affirming its statutory powers to investigate criminal matters without interference.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, said the judgments were obtained through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, and represent significant milestones in the fight against financial crimes.
According to the police, on May 14, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets belonging 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 in Lagos, Osun and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The 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 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 case, marked Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4119/45, sought to challenge actions taken by the police in the course of their investigation.
However, Justice Kawu ruled that the courts could not be used to obstruct the lawful duties of the police or shield individuals accused of criminal conduct from prosecution.
The ruling clears the way for the NCB to continue prosecuting Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences, the police said.
The Force described both judgments as landmark decisions that strengthen Nigeria’s criminal justice system and reinforce the authority of law enforcement agencies in combating financial crimes. #Securitynewsalert.com
