EFCC Seizes 753-Unit Duplex Estate, Conceals Ex-Government Official’s Identity
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced its most significant asset recovery since its inception on Monday.
The recovered asset, located in the Federal Capital Territory, is an estate covering 150,500 square meters and consists of 753 units of duplexes and other apartments. The estate is situated on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
This recovery followed a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024. On November 1, 2024, the judge had issued an order for interim forfeiture of the property.
In a statement, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed that the property was owned by a former high-ranking government official. He stated, “Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled on December 2, 2024, for the final forfeiture of an estate in Abuja measuring 150,500 square meters, containing 753 units of duplexes and other apartments.
This represents the most significant asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission since its establishment in 2023. The estate is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.”
“The forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government is part of the EFCC’s mandate and policy to ensure that those engaged in corrupt and fraudulent activities do not benefit from the proceeds of their crimes.”
Oyewale noted that the commission relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44 (2) B of the 1999 Constitution in pursuing its case.
During the ruling on the commission’s application for the final forfeiture of the property, Justice Onwuegbuzie determined that the respondent had not provided sufficient justification for retaining the property, which is reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.
“Oyewale added that the EFCC is currently investigating the government official involved in the fraudulent construction of the estate.
The forfeiture of this asset is a crucial step in depriving the suspect of the proceeds of their crime.”
