The Nigeria Police Force has won two rulings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, reinforcing its authority in financial crime cases. On Tuesday, 14 May 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite granted a permanent forfeiture order on assets worth over N2 billion linked to Alonge Opeyemi Yetunde, a financial sector staff member, and her associates in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/274/2026. The assets, located in Lagos, Osun, Delta States, and the Federal Capital Territory, include bank accounts, digital wallets, vehicles, and real estate. Yetunde is currently held at the Suleja Correctional Custodial Centre and faces charges of fraud and money laundering.
In a separate ruling on Monday, 13 May 2026, Justice Bello Kawu dismissed a N100 million Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit filed by David Imole Averehi, a suspect based in the United States, against the Nigeria Police Force and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, INTERPOL. The court held that judicial processes cannot be used to obstruct lawful police duties or shield individuals suspected of criminal activity. The decision allows the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, to proceed with prosecuting Averehi for obtaining money under false pretences.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, confirmed the outcomes, stating that the judgments affirm the police's use of legal and international cooperation frameworks to combat financial crimes. The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to protecting the country's economic integrity through the enforcement of existing laws.
The police secured asset forfeiture from a financial sector employee while simultaneously defeating a US-based suspect's court challenge on the same day. Yetunde faces prosecution while remanded in Suleja, but Averehi's physical location and ability to file a suit from abroad raise questions about enforcement reach. The court's refusal to block police action supports ongoing cases, but disparities in custody conditions and jurisdictional access remain evident. This highlights operational gaps between local detention and cross-border prosecution.
⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
