SaharaReporters revealed that a Nigerian court, on Monday, ordered the forfeiture of 753 duplexes in Abuja to the federal government following investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, spans 150,500 square meters and is the largest asset recovery in the EFCC’s history since its inception in 2003. Continue reading
During a search of the Lagos residence of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, EFCC operatives discovered a receipt for roofing materials linked to the estate, despite the absence of ownership documents. This evidence connected Emefiele to the properties, which are under investigation as part of corruption allegations against him, including charges related to the naira redesign.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory Court ruled in favor of the EFCC, stating that the respondent failed to justify ownership of the estate, which was suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities. The estate was subsequently forfeited to the federal government.
Meanwhile, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticized the EFCC for initially withholding the identity of the individual linked to the estate. Sowore alleged that the EFCC acts as a public relations arm for high-profile figures involved in corruption and expressed frustration over the agency's reluctance to name Emefiele as the owner.
Emefiele is currently facing multiple corruption charges in the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with his trial set to continue on December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025.
The EFCC has defended its actions, citing its legal mandate to ensure proceeds of corruption are not enjoyed, referencing the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and the 1999 Constitution.
Source: SaharaReporters