From Victor Osula, Abuja
In a landmark ruling, the Federal Government has secured the largest asset forfeiture in the history of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as a court ordered the final forfeiture of a sprawling estate in Abuja linked to a former government official.
The estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, spans 150,500 square metres and houses 753 units of duplexes and apartments. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court delivered the ruling on December 2, 2024, granting the EFCC’s request for permanent forfeiture of the property.
Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the respondent had failed to provide sufficient justification for retaining ownership of the property.
“The property has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the Federal Government,” the judge declared.
The ruling followed an interim forfeiture order secured by the EFCC on November 1, 2024.
The EFCC, in a statement on Monday, described the ruling as a significant victory in its fight against corruption. The anti-graft agency noted that the forfeiture aligns with its mandate to ensure that proceeds of illicit activities are recovered for the public good.
The commission cited Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006* and Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for pursuing the forfeiture.
The EFCC disclosed that the former government official responsible for the fraudulent acquisition and development of the estate is under investigation.
“This forfeiture underscores our commitment to ensuring that corrupt individuals are not allowed to enjoy the proceeds of their unlawful activities,” the EFCC stated.
The agency referenced Part 2, Section 7 of its Establishment Act, which empowers it to investigate individuals whose properties or lifestyles are inconsistent with their legitimate sources of income.
