The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced its largest asset recovery since its inception in 2003. An estate comprising 753 duplexes and apartments in the Lokogoma District of Abuja has been forfeited to the Federal Government following a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the EFCC disclosed that the estate, which spans 150,500 square meters and is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, was forfeited on December 2, 2024. Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the property was “reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”
The EFCC filed the forfeiture application under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(B) of the 1999 Constitution. According to the Commission, the estate was constructed by a former senior government official who is currently under investigation for financial crimes.
“The forfeiture of this property to the federal government demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that the corrupt do not enjoy the proceeds of their unlawful activities,” the EFCC said in its statement.
Justice Onwuegbuzie emphasized the need for evidence from the issuing authorities of certificates to prove the legitimacy of ownership. “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge ruled.
The EFCC stated that the forfeiture was in line with its mandate under Part 2, Section 7 of its Establishment Act. This provision allows the Commission to investigate individuals whose lifestyle and property are inconsistent with their legitimate income.
“Ruling on the Commission’s application for final forfeiture, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the estate is hereby forfeited to the federal government,” the statement added.
This recovery signals a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and financial crimes. EFCC Chairperson Abdulrasheed Bawa described it as a victory for justice, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
The unnamed former government official linked to the estate is still under investigation, and further updates are expected as the case progresses.
