CACOL lauds EFCC, Judiciary for success in the forfeiture of estate with 753 units of duplexes linked to illicit activities
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, (CACOL) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its relentless efforts in the fight against corruption, as evidenced by its recent success in securing the forfeiture of assets linked to illicit activities.
A release issued by CACOL and signed by its Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo on behalf of the Organisation’s Chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran, stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on Monday announced its largest asset recovery since its establishment.
The recovered asset, said to be owned by a former top brass of the government, located in the Federal Capital Territory, is an estate spanning 150,500 square meters and comprising 753 units of duplexes and other apartments. The estate is situated on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
The recovery followed a ruling delivered on December 2, 2024 by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
Recall that on November 1, 2024, the judge had given an order of interim forfeiture on the property. “The confiscation of assets acquired through illegal means serves as a powerful deterrent to corrupt practices and reaffirms our collective commitment to combating financial crimes”.
“This decision demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement and the judiciary in safeguarding public resources and ensuring that no one benefits from the proceeds of corruption.
In the release, CACOL Chairman stated that: “We are particularly worried that a particular person can acquire such large expanse of property. Where are the regulators by the time the person acquired that land?. Did the developer report the deal or the purchase of the land to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML)? Did they carry out any check, if at all he reported?”
He asserted that there are several of such estates or properties scattered around different parts of Nigeria, especially in Abuja and Lagos that ought to have been investigated through the powers conferred on the agency.
“We expect the agency to be more proactive, so that people will not get away with such atrocities.
”In as much as we applaud the EFCC for its professionalism and determination in investigating and pursuing cases of economic and financial crimes, we still find it difficult to understand the reason behind shielding the name of the culprit. His or her name should be exposed to members of the public whose money he has diverted to acquire the property. Such victories serve as a reminder that our institutions can and will act decisively in addressing corruption and recovering public funds for the benefit of all citizens.
“We also commend the judiciary for its unbiased and timely decision, which reflects its pivotal role as a bastion of justice in Nigeria. This ruling sends a strong message that the law is supreme and that anyone who engages in financial malfeasance will face the consequences.
“As an organization, we stand in solidarity with the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies as they continue to work toward a Nigeria free from corruption. We call on all Nigerians to support these efforts by promoting transparency, reporting suspicious activities, and ensuring accountability in both public and private sectors.
“Together, we can build a nation where integrity thrives, public resources are safeguarded, and justice is upheld” CACOL stated.
