A federal court in Lagos has decided to permanently seize two cars owned a White Bentley Coupe and a Blue Toyota Venza, linked to a German, Daniel Onoriede
Additionally, the court has temporarily taken control of $20,000 in cash and a blue Nissan Almera.
Justice Dehinde Dipeolu made this decision during a court session in Ikoyi, Lagos, following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by their lawyer, H.U. Kofarnaisa.
This was confirmed by the EFCC on Monday.
During the hearing on August 1, 2025, Kofarnaisa explained that the EFCC had gathered evidence showing that Onoriede was involved in fraudulent activities.
An affidavit sworn to by an EFCC investigator mentioned that in a sting operation on August 14, 2023, several suspected internet fraudsters were arrested in different locations in Lekki, Lagos.
However, Onoriede managed to escape.
The EFCC also confirmed it’s agents found the two cars parked at his home, along with documents suggesting that the Bentley was bought with money earned through illegal activities.
Further investigation revealed that Onoriede had numerous bank accounts where he deposited over N500 million (about $1.3 million) from suspicious sources between 2018 and 2023.
After reviewing this evidence, Justice Dipeolu approved the EFCC’s request to permanently seize the cars.
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Furthermore, the court granted a temporary seizure of the $20,000 and the blue Nissan after hearing from another EFCC investigator, Solomon Usman.
He explained that on July 13, 2025, customs officials were investigating near the Seme Border when they spotted a suspected fraudster driving the Nissan car.
The driver abandoned the car and fled when he saw the customs officers. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the officers discovered the cash and more hidden money inside.
Kofarnaisa argued that both the cash and the car were likely obtained illegally, leading to the request for their seizure.
Consequently, Justice Dipeolu approved this temporary order and instructed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper.
The publication allows anyone who believes they have a claim to the seized items to come forward and explain why they should not be permanently returned to the federal government.
