The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major victory in its fight against financial crimes after securing court judgments that led to the forfeiture of assets worth over ₦2 billion and cleared the way for the prosecution of another fraud suspect.
According to police authorities, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets linked to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde and her alleged accomplices in an ongoing fraud and money laundering case.
The assets, valued at more than ₦2 billion, include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles and properties located across Lagos, Osun, Delta States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The police disclosed that the principal suspect is currently being held at the Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre while facing charges related to fraud and money laundering.
In a separate ruling, the Federal High Court also dismissed a ₦100 million fundamental rights suit filed against the Nigeria Police Force and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of INTERPOL by a United States-based suspect, David Averehi.
The court ruled that fundamental rights proceedings cannot be used to obstruct lawful criminal investigations or shield individuals from prosecution.
Following the judgment, police authorities said they are now cleared to proceed with the prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
Reacting to the rulings, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling financial crimes, recovering illicit assets and strengthening collaboration with both local and international partners to protect Nigeria’s economic system.
Source: Nigeria Police Force
