Sowore’s Criticism of EFCC’s Landmark Asset Recovery is A Misguided Narrative – EFCC 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has noted the array of reactions to its historic recovery of 753 duplexes and apartments located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. While the Commission appreciates the commendations from reform-oriented Nigerians, it finds the disparaging remarks by Omoyele Sowore and his associates both unacceptable and unwarranted.

The claim that the EFCC is concealing the identity of the estate’s promoters defies logic. The recovery was conducted in strict compliance with Section 17 of the *Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act*, which permits civil forfeiture proceedings (action *in rem*) rather than personal action (*in personam*). This approach allows for the forfeiture of unclaimed property without the necessity of attaching a specific individual, as was the case here.

As stated in a December 3, 2024, press release signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, the EFCC’s investigation into the estate uncovered actionable intelligence. The implicated company denied ownership of the property following extensive public notices in major national newspapers. Consequently, the Commission sought and obtained a final forfeiture order from Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on December 2, 2024.

It is disappointing that instead of lauding the EFCC’s efforts to combat systemic corruption, Sowore has chosen to malign the Commission. His stance ignores the larger issue of institutional weaknesses and regulatory gaps that allowed such large-scale fraud to occur in the first place. Nigerians should focus on addressing these vulnerabilities to deter similar corrupt practices in the future.

The EFCC assures the public that the substantive criminal investigation into the matter remains ongoing. The Commission maintains that it would be unprofessional to disclose the names of individuals whose identities are not directly linked to any title documents associated with the recovered properties. The EFCC’s commitment to impartiality and its “no-sacred-cow” policy in all matters remain steadfast.

The Commission calls on Nigerians to continue supporting its efforts to safeguard the nation’s financial systems from manipulation and organized corruption. Together, we can create a more accountable and transparent Nigeria.