EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of Major 753 Duplex Estate in Abuja

The EFCC is currently conducting an investigation into the government official who allegedly fraudulently constructed the estate. The forfeiture serves as a critical measure to prevent the suspect from enjoying the ill-gotten gains from their criminal activity.

ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Wednesday that it has successfully obtained the final forfeiture of a significant estate located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This development came after Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court granted the forfeiture order, following an application initiated by the EFCC.

According to the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the estate spans an impressive 150,500 square meters and consists of 753 duplexes and various other apartments, marking it as the largest single asset recovery since the establishment of the EFCC in 2003.

The individual associated with the forfeited property was not explicitly named. However, Oyewale indicated that it belonged to a “former top brass of the government.” The journey to this final forfeiture order was initiated by an interim forfeiture ruling granted by the same judge on November 1, 2024.

The EFCC is currently conducting an investigation into the government official who allegedly fraudulently constructed the estate. The forfeiture serves as a critical measure to prevent the suspect from enjoying the ill-gotten gains from their criminal activity. The Commission leveraged Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, along with Section 44 (2) B of the 199 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to substantiate its case.

In a ruling, the judge concluded that the respondent failed to provide sufficient justification for retaining ownership of the property. Oyewale also highlighted comments from EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who emphasized that asset recovery plays a crucial role in the battle against corruption and financial crimes, serving as a powerful deterrent against corrupt practices.