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EFCC recovers 753 duplexes in landmark Abuja asset seizure

Fumilayo Adekunle
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Monday its largest asset recovery to date since its establishment.

The recovered asset is an extensive estate located in the Federal Capital Territory, covering 150,500 square meters and consisting of 753 units, including duplexes and other apartment types.

Situated on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, the estate was the subject of a ruling handed down on December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie. The ruling followed an earlier interim forfeiture order issued by the judge on November 1, 2024.

In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed that the property belonged to a former senior government official. He stated, “Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled on the final forfeiture of an estate in Abuja measuring 150,500 square meters, which contains 753 duplexes and other apartments. This is the single largest asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission since its inception in 2003.”

Oyewale added, “The forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government by the former government official was in line with the EFCC’s mandate to ensure that individuals involved in corruption and fraud do not benefit from the proceeds of their illicit activities.”

The EFCC’s legal team 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 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to support their case.

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Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the respondent had failed to present a valid defense as to why the property should not be forfeited, noting that there was reasonable suspicion that the estate had been acquired with the proceeds of unlawful activities.

Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC is continuing its investigation into the former government official, who is suspected of fraudulently constructing the estate. He further explained, “The forfeiture of this asset is a key strategy in stripping the suspect of the proceeds from their criminal actions.”