Following a legal battle, a Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled for the permanent forfeiture of 36 luxury vehicles, purportedly smuggled from Canada into Nigeria.
Presiding judge Justice Deinde Dipeolu delivered the final forfeiture verdict after considering arguments presented by Mr. Abdul Rasheed, legal representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The list of forfeited vehicles comprises various high-end models, including a 2017 Toyota Rav in ash color, a silver 2019 Toyota Tacoma, a grey 2019 Lexus RX 350, multiple black Lexus RX350s, a 2019 Ford F150, a 2018 Honda CRV, a 2020 black Toyota Tacoma, a Dodge, a Land Rover, and a 2020 Lexus RX 350 SUV, among others.
Named respondents in the case include several auto businesses: Wilmon Autos Nigeria Limited, Ikeoyi Enterprises, Ichie Autos, Bounce Autos, Assured Motors, Emeko Auto, CNC Auto, Green Hill Auto, First Core Auto, Samuel Motors, Unique Motors, Nice and Rich Auto, Overall Properties, GIDI Auto, and Chris Jane Auto Nigeria Limited.
The vehicles were seized from various auto shops located in Lekki-Ajah, Ojodu-Berger, Ikeja, Festac Town, Magodo, and Ikota-Lekki.
Previously, on November 29, 2023, the court had granted an interim forfeiture order for the cars following an application by the EFCC. Subsequently, the EFCC was directed to publish notices of the orders in a national newspaper, inviting any interested parties to appear before the court and contest the forfeiture.
In a recent court session, Abdulrasheed informed the court about the EFCC’s motion for the final forfeiture of the vehicles, citing legal provisions including sections 44(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
