… It’s Criminal To Reveal Owner’s Identity – EFCC
Daud Olatunji
Court filings have revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered 753 duplexes and apartments in Abuja from the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the properties, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, were allegedly acquired using kickbacks from contractors, according to affidavits presented in court.
The documents, published by Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, detail how Emefiele reportedly used intermediaries, including Ifeanyi Omeke, a deputy general manager at Zenith Bank, to purchase and secure title documents for high-value properties in Lagos and Abuja.
Sowore, who shared the documents on Tuesday, accused the EFCC of attempting to shield Emefiele’s identity in its official announcement.
“It is unacceptable that the EFCC would recover properties from a high-profile individual and still seek to hide the person’s name. This is an act of complicity,” he argued.
Responding to Sowore’s allegations, the EFCC clarified that its decision to withhold the name of the estate’s owner was in line with professional and legal standards.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission explained that the forfeiture was secured through civil proceedings under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
This legal framework allows for forfeiture of assets in rem (targeting the property) rather than in personam (targeting the owner).
“The allegation of a cover-up is unfounded,” Oyewale said.
“The proceedings were conducted in accordance with the law, and the forfeiture was duly granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on December 2, 2024.”
The EFCC emphasized that its investigation into the case remains ongoing and cautioned against premature disclosure of individuals linked to the estate.
“It is important to note that the substantive criminal investigation on the matter continues.
It would be unprofessional of the EFCC to name individuals whose identities are not directly tied to the title documents of the properties,” Oyewale stated.
According to the EFCC, extensive efforts were made to identify the property’s owner, including publishing public notices in national newspapers.
However, no claims of ownership were submitted, prompting the EFCC to seek a final forfeiture order.
Sowore, meanwhile, has continued to criticize the anti-graft agency, accusing it of shielding influential figures.
“This is why Nigeria cannot combat corruption effectively. The EFCC is unwilling to confront the big thieves,” he said.
The EFCC described the seizure as its largest single recovery to date and reiterated its commitment to impartiality.
“We remain unwavering in our approach. Together, we will make Nigeria greater,” Oyewale said.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
