Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly rebutted allegations of a cover-up following its historic recovery of 753 duplexes and apartments located at Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
The properties were recently forfeited to the Federal Government through a court ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on December 2, 2024.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, dismissed claims made by activist Omoyele Sowore and others, asserting that the commission conducted its actions transparently and in line with the law.
Proceedings Were Transparent and Lawful
The EFCC clarified that the forfeiture process followed provisions of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. This law allows for civil proceedings targeting unclaimed property—referred to as action-in-rem—rather than individuals. This legal approach, the EFCC stated, was crucial because no entity or individual claimed ownership of the estate during the investigation.
"The allegation of a cover-up stands logic on its head. The proceedings were based on actionable intelligence and were carried out in full compliance with the law," the statement read. It also noted that the investigation flagged a company suspected of involvement, but the entity denied ownership following public notices in leading newspapers.
Criticism Unjustified
The commission expressed disappointment at accusations from Sowore, describing them as "grossly uncharitable." According to the EFCC, the activist’s focus should be on addressing the systemic flaws that allowed such corruption to occur, rather than undermining the Commission’s achievements.
"The expectation of the EFCC from Citizen Sowore is a patriotic appreciation of its efforts in securing such a landmark forfeiture," the statement emphasized.
Substantive Criminal Investigations Ongoing
The EFCC reassured Nigerians that criminal investigations related to the case are still ongoing. It stressed that it would be unprofessional to name individuals whose connections to the estate were not substantiated by title documents.
"The EFCC is unwavering in its no-sacred-cow approach. The substantive investigation continues, and no one found culpable will escape justice," the statement added.
Public Appreciation for EFCC’s Efforts
The Commission expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have recognized the significance of the asset recovery. It called for collective vigilance to address the systemic loopholes that enable corruption and pledged to continue its efforts to safeguard the nation’s financial system from manipulation and organized crime.
The landmark forfeiture represents the EFCC’s largest single asset recovery since its inception in 2003 and serves as a testament to its commitment to fighting corruption under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
This case highlights the EFCC’s role in ensuring accountability and depriving individuals of the proceeds of their crimes. It also underscores the importance of public support in sustaining the fight against corruption.
