Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi ordered the final forfeiture of 20 cars stolen from Canada and brought to Nigeria. The cars are now forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This decision came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a motion on notice for the forfeiture. The EFCC revealed the forfeited cars, which include high-end models such as a Black SUV 400, a White 4MATIC Mercedes Benz, a Grey Lexus RS 350L, and several Toyota and Lexus models, among others.
Justice Dipeolu had initially ordered the interim forfeiture of the cars on May 27, 2024, directing that the order be published in a national newspaper for any interested party to contest. At Monday’s hearing, the EFCC, represented by counsel R.A. Abdulrasheed, confirmed compliance with the court’s publication directive.
Abdulrasheed presented a 17-paragraph affidavit from EFCC investigator Olufemi Olukini and a written address supporting the final forfeiture. According to the affidavit, credible intelligence from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) indicated that over 350 vehicles were stolen from Canada and shipped to Nigeria. The stolen cars were identified through their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and located across Lagos, including at car stands and Nigerian ports.
The EFCC’s investigation led to the discovery of 40 stolen vehicles, which were initially subject to a similar forfeiture order in March 2024. The current suit addresses additional vehicles identified and recovered as part of this ongoing investigation.
The affidavit further detailed that the stolen vehicles were insured, and the insurance companies had indemnified the owners, delegating their interests to the RCMP liaison officer at the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria.
Abdulrasheed requested the court to grant final forfeiture to the Federal Government and empower the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Nigeria to dispose of the vehicles, either by sale or return to the victims, with a statutory two percent remittance to the EFCC Recovery Account.
After considering the submissions, Justice Dipeolu ordered the final forfeiture of the cars to the Federal Government.
