The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision not to disclose the identity of the owner of a recently recovered estate, which it has called the largest single asset recovery in its history.
On Monday, the EFCC announced the recovery of 753 duplexes and other apartments located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, in the Lokogoma District of Abuja.
However, the commission faced widespread criticism for withholding the identity of the property’s owner.
Among the critics was Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who accused the EFCC of being hesitant to confront “big thieves.”
In response, the EFCC issued a statement on Tuesday through its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
Read Also: Low-Income Earners Can Withdraw Total Retirement Savings – PENCOM
Oyewale explained that the commission’s actions were guided by the legal framework for forfeiture proceedings and its commitment to professionalism.
He clarified that the estate’s forfeiture followed civil proceedings under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which allows for action-in-rem—focusing on property rather than individuals—especially in cases involving unclaimed assets.
He said, “The allegation of a cover-up of the identity of the promoters of the Estate stands logic on the head in the sense that the proceedings for the forfeiture of the Estate were in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which is a civil proceeding that allows for action-in-rem rather than action-in-personam.
“The latter allows legal actions against a property and not an individual, especially in a situation of an unclaimed property. This Act allows you to take up a forfeiture proceeding against a chattel who is not a juristic person. This is exactly what the Commission did in respect of the Estate. Individual in situations of unclaimed assets.”
Oyewale revealed that actionable intelligence prompted investigations into the estate.
He explained that during the investigation, a company initially identified as the potential owner denied any connection to the property after public notices were published in major national newspapers.
“On the basis of this, the commission approached the court for an order of final forfeiture which Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court granted on Monday, December 2, 2024,” he added.
Although the court order has been obtained, Oyewale emphasized that the criminal investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
He stated that disclosing the names of individuals without direct evidence linking them to the property’s title documents would be premature and unprofessional.
“The substantive criminal investigation on the matter continues. 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,” Oyewale stated.
The commission reaffirmed its dedication to impartiality and its “no sacred cow” stance, assuring the public that it is resolute in its mission to combat corruption.
“We are unwavering in our approach to every matter, and together we will make Nigeria greater,” he said.
For More Information And News Update, Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
