How EFCC makes historic asset seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja
How EFCC makes historic asset seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recorded its largest asset seizure with the final forfeiture of an estate of 753 duplexes and apartments.
A statement from the EFCC, on its official X page, stated that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, is consequent upon a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
Justice Onwuegbuzie stated that the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.
The judge said,“The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government ”
The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.
The ruling 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.
It would be recalled that the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024.
The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.
The EFCC described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.