EFCC Breaks Record With Forfeiture Of Abuja Estate In Landmark Court Ruling

EFCC Breaks Record With Forfeiture Of Abuja Estate In Landmark Court RulingThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a significant milestone by securing the final forfeiture of a vast property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ruling, handed down on Monday by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, marks the largest single asset recovery by the EFCC since its inception in 2003.
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According to a statement from the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the forfeited property spans an impressive 150,500 square meters and includes 753 duplexes and various apartments. This makes it the largest asset seized by the anti-corruption agency to date.

While the identity of the individual who forfeited the property was not disclosed, Oyewale confirmed that it belonged to a “former top government official.” He also outlined that the road to this final forfeiture began with an interim order obtained by the EFCC on November 1, 2024, also under the direction of Justice Onwuegbuzie.

“The government official who fraudulently developed the estate is under investigation by the EFCC,” Oyewale said, emphasizing that the forfeiture serves to deprive the suspect of the illicit proceeds derived from the crime.

To support its case, the EFCC relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006, as well as Section 44 (2) B of the Constitution of Nigeria. The agency’s establishment act underscores the importance of asset recovery in its efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes.

The judge ruled that the respondent failed to provide adequate justification for retaining ownership of the property, leading to the final forfeiture order.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, highlighted the significance of asset recovery in fighting corruption, stressing that it serves not only to recover illicit gains but also to deter corrupt and fraudulent activities.

Photos of the recovered property were also shared, showcasing the scale of the asset now under the control of the Nigerian government.

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