Kehinde Fajobi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has justified its decision to withhold the identity of the owner of a recently recovered estate in Abuja, which it described as the largest single asset recovery in its history.
The estate, located at Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, comprises 753 duplexes and other apartments.
The EFCC announced the recovery on Monday but faced criticism from Nigerians for not naming the owner.
Among the critics was former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who accused the EFCC of avoiding confrontation with “big thieves.”
Responding in a statement on Tuesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the decision adhered to legal and professional standards.
He explained that the estate’s forfeiture was secured under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which permits civil proceedings targeting property rather than individuals.
Oyewale stated, “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.”
He clarified that the provision allows legal actions against property in cases of unclaimed assets, noting, “This is exactly what the Commission did in respect of the estate.”
According to Oyewale, actionable intelligence initiated the investigation.
A company initially suspected of owning the estate denied any connection after public notices were issued in major newspapers.
Based on this, the EFCC obtained a final forfeiture order from Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Despite the court order, Oyewale emphasised that the criminal investigation into the estate is ongoing.
He said it would be “unprofessional” to reveal names without direct evidence linking individuals to the property’s title documents.
“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 added.
He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to impartiality and its “no sacred cow” policy, urging Nigerians to trust the agency’s efforts.
“We are unwavering in our approach to every matter, and together we will make Nigeria greater,” he concluded.