A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of two luxury vehicles — a white Bentley Coupe and a blue Toyota Venza — allegedly linked to a suspected internet fraudster, German Daniel Onoriede.
The forfeiture order was granted by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu on Friday, August 1, following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.
EFCC counsel, Mr H.U. Kofarnaisa, presented the motion supported by an affidavit deposed to by an operative of the Commission, Mr Bufa Okangbe.
According to the EFCC, the vehicles were recovered during a sting operation carried out on August 14, 2023, at Ocean Bay Estate, Lekki, Lagos, targeting suspected internet fraudsters. Onoriede was not apprehended during the raid, but the two vehicles were retrieved from his residence.
The anti-graft agency revealed that documents traced to Onoriede confirmed that the Bentley was purchased with proceeds from fraudulent activities.
Further investigation reportedly showed that the suspect operated multiple bank accounts, both in Naira and foreign currencies, through which over ₦500 million was allegedly laundered between 2018 and 2023.
After reviewing the submission, Justice Dipeolu ruled in favour of the EFCC and granted the final forfeiture of both vehicles to the Federal Government.
Court Grants Interim Forfeiture of $20,000, CFA 110,000 and Nissan Almera
In a related ruling, the same court granted an interim forfeiture order for a sky blue Nissan Almera car, along with $20,000 and 110,000 CFA francs allegedly linked to another criminal activity.
The order followed a separate motion filed by the EFCC, supported by an affidavit from an operative, Mr Solomon Usman.
Usman narrated that on July 13, 2025, operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the EFCC, intercepted a suspect at the Seme Border in the Badagry area of Lagos.
The suspect, who was driving the Nissan Almera with chassis number SJNFAANI6U0508962, reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the operatives.
A search of the car uncovered the foreign currencies hidden inside.
The EFCC argued that the cash and vehicle were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity and asked the court to grant an interim forfeiture order pending further investigation.
Justice Dipeolu granted the request and directed that the interim forfeiture be published in a national newspaper, allowing any interested parties to come forward and show cause why the items should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court’s decisions form part of EFCC’s ongoing efforts to tackle cybercrime and illicit financial transactions across Lagos and its environs.
