The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has secured the permanent forfeiture of assets valued at over N2bn linked to an alleged fraud suspect, and has also obtained a court victory affirming the authority of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal cases without obstruction.
The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid in Abuja.
According to Placid, 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.
The court order, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on May 14, 2026, covers assets worth over “N2bn located across Lagos, Osun and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory”.
The forfeited assets include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real estate.
Placid 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, the police also secured the dismissal of a N100m fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Nigeria Police Force and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of INTERPOL by an American-based suspect, David Imole Averehi.
Justice Bello Kawu, who delivered the judgment on May 13, held that, “The Court cannot be used to obstruct statutory police duties or shield individuals engaged in criminal conduct from justice.”
The ruling clears the way for the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, to proceed with the prosecution of Averehi over allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
Placid described the two judgments as significant victories in the fight against financial crimes and a reaffirmation of law enforcement powers under Nigerian law.
He further noted that the NPF would continue to work with international partners and deploy all lawful measures to track financial criminals and safeguard the country’s economic system.
