On December 2, 2024, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled on the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-metre estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments. This marks the largest asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since its establishment in 2003. The estate, located at Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, was forfeited to the federal government after being linked to unlawful activities.
The forfeiture stems from EFCC’s mandate to prevent those involved in corruption from benefiting from their illegal gains. The Commission used Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No 14, 2006, and Section 44 (2) B of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution to support its case. In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie stated the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which was reasonably suspected to be acquired through illicit means.
This decision follows an interim forfeiture order granted by the same judge on November 1, 2024. The former government official responsible for the estate’s fraudulent construction is under investigation by the EFCC. Forfeiting the asset denies the suspect access to the proceeds of crime, serving as a deterrent.
The EFCC’s authority to investigate such cases is rooted in the EFCC Establishment Act, which empowers the Commission to probe individuals whose lifestyles and assets are disproportionate to their legitimate income sources. EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has emphasized that asset recovery is central to the fight against corruption and financial crimes. He has described asset tracing as a crucial tool for weakening criminals by depriving them of the proceeds of their illegal activities.
The EFCC Establishment Act highlights the importance of asset recovery. When a person’s assets are attached under this Act, the Commission is required to apply for interim forfeiture and trace assets acquired through financial crimes. If a court finds prima facie evidence that property should be forfeited, the EFCC can seek final forfeiture.
This successful asset recovery represents a significant milestone for the EFCC and underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to tackling corruption.
