EFCC Explains Concealment Of Seized Duplex Owners Amid Backlash
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has justified its decision to withhold the identities of the owners of 753 seized duplexes in Abuja, following public criticism. The properties, part of a large estate, were forfeited to the federal government on December 2, 2024, by order of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
In a statement on Tuesday, EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, clarified that the agency followed due legal process under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act. He explained that the forfeiture was an action-in-rem (targeting property) rather than an action-in-personam (targeting individuals).
“The allegations of a cover-up are baseless,” Oyewale said, noting that the legal proceedings targeted the unclaimed estate, not specific individuals, as mandated by the law.
Among the critics was Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who accused the EFCC of shielding the identities of those involved. The EFCC dismissed Sowore’s claims as “uncharitable” and “grossly unacceptable,” urging him to recognize the commission’s efforts in combating corruption.
“The EFCC expects patriotic appreciation of its landmark recovery,” Oyewale stated. “It is shocking that Sowore seems unconcerned about the systemic failures that allowed such corruption in the first place.”
The EFCC revealed that its investigation flagged a company that later denied ownership of the estate. Following public notices in national newspapers, the commission sought a final forfeiture order, which Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted.
Despite securing the properties, the EFCC emphasized that criminal investigations are still ongoing. “Revealing identities prematurely, without direct links to the property’s title documents, would be unprofessional,” Oyewale noted, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to a “no-sacred-cow” policy in its fight against corruption.
The EFCC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against systemic corruption and pledged to continue safeguarding the nation’s financial system. “Together, we will make Nigeria greater,” Oyewale concluded.
