The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations of a cover-up in its recent recovery of 753 duplexes and other apartments on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
The properties, now forfeited to the Federal Government, represent one of the most significant anti-corruption achievements in recent years.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the EFCC described the forfeiture as the result of “painstaking efforts” and actionable intelligence, rejecting claims of shielding the promoters of the estate.
Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, clarified that the legal proceedings were conducted under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which permits forfeiture actions against properties rather than individuals in cases of unclaimed assets.
“The allegation of a cover-up of the identity of the promoters of the estate stands logic on the head,” Oyewale stated. “The proceedings for the forfeiture of the estate were in line with a civil procedure that allows legal action against a property rather than an individual, especially in a case of unclaimed property.”
The court proceedings culminated in an order for final forfeiture, granted on Monday, December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. According to the EFCC, the company flagged during investigations denied ownership of the estate following public notices published in leading newspapers.
The EFCC also responded to allegations raised by activist Omoyele Sowore, who accused the Commission of concealing the identities of those behind the estate. The statement described Sowore’s criticisms as “unacceptable and grossly uncharitable.” It called for a more constructive response to the Commission’s efforts to tackle corruption and recover stolen assets.
“The expectation of the EFCC from citizen Sowore is a patriotic appreciation of its efforts in securing such a landmark forfeiture,” the Commission said. “It is shocking that the activist is not concerned about the systemic lassitude and unhelpful permissiveness that allowed such a monstrous corrupt act in the first instance.”
Oyewale reassured Nigerians that investigations into the criminal elements behind the estate are still ongoing and stressed the EFCC’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“It will be unprofessional of the EFCC to go to town by mentioning names of individuals whose identities were not directly linked to any title document of the properties,” he said. “The EFCC is unwavering in its no-sacred-cow approach to every matter, and together we will make Nigeria greater.”
The Commission called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing systemic issues that enable corruption, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s financial system against manipulation and organized crime.
