The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has come under fire following allegations of a cover-up in its handling of the 753-duplex Abuja estate forfeiture case.
Activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore has accused the agency of shielding former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and his alleged collaborators from public scrutiny in connection with the scandal.
Sowore, in a series of statements released online which was received by Osun Defender on Tuesday night, described the EFCC’s response to his earlier allegations as “reckless and irresponsible.”
He maintained that official court documents and sworn affidavits by EFCC investigators point directly to Emefiele’s involvement in the fraudulent real estate scheme.
“I have obtained court proceedings and an affidavit sworn to by an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigator who named the names of those behind this real estate fraud. I maintain that referring to the person as “Top Brass” instead of revealing publicly that it was former central Governor @Godwin Emefiele under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari smacks of an attempt to cover up his misdeeds and those of his collaborators; the truth is that the court proceedings tell otherwise.
“I will attach some court documents here so the public can see the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is a disgrace and disservice in this matter,” Sowore said while releasing the court documents.
This is the most reckless and irresponsible statement I’ve read from a government agency in a long while. The assertions here are also patently irresponsible.
I have obtained court proceedings and an affidavit sworn to by an @officialEFCC investigator who named the names of… pic.twitter.com/hHDnglxiPQ
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) December 3, 2024
Osun Defender recalls that the controversy stems from the EFCC’s recent announcement of a landmark recovery of 753 duplexes and apartments in Lokogoma District, Abuja. While the agency celebrated the forfeiture as a victory in the fight against corruption, critics, including Sowore, have questioned its decision not to publicly name those allegedly behind the fraudulent acquisition of the properties.
The EFCC, in its defense, argued that the forfeiture proceedings were conducted in accordance with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which focuses on action against property rather than individuals.
EFCC PRESS STATEMENT
Sowore and Co-Travellers’ Tantrums against EFCC’s Landmark Recovery
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is following with keen interest, the flurry of reactions to its record-breaking recovery of 753 duplexes and other apartments on Plot… pic.twitter.com/tToJzylTYN
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) December 3, 2024
The agency maintained that the ongoing criminal investigations would determine culpability and that it would be premature to disclose names without substantial evidence directly linking them to ownership documents.
However, Sowore dismissed the EFCC’s explanation, insisting that the agency’s reluctance to name high-profile individuals implicated in the scandal raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The activist also published excerpts of court documents on social media, which he said would allow Nigerians to judge the EFCC’s handling of the case for themselves.
While the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to a “no-sacred-cow” approach in tackling corruption, Sowore’s revelations have cast a shadow over the agency’s credibility.
Nigerians React
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express disappointment with the EFCC’s response, accusing it of shielding powerful individuals while targeting less influential offenders.
See reactions below;
@YakubTijani2: Is there any reason why the name of Emefiele was being shielded? He is under detention already. This is really sad. The man doesn’t deserve mercy especially for the pains he caused Nigerians for the useless currency change
@Nairaexchanger: I can’t even laugh anymore😔. The way some people go out of their way to defend this government’s nonsense is absolutely mind-boggling. It feels like we’re living in a horror movie 🎥. 🤦
@YeleSowore, I’m not usually a fan, but on this one, I have to say a big well done👍.
@mayorlistik: Like I clmmented on the EFCC statement on this, they didn’t actually deny, they only said they were following the law not to reveal names. So why did they make the nonsense post to malign Sowore? How can you even make such a huge forfeiture without wanting to mention the culprit?
@Jersda94: I like how Sowore will wait until you deny a claim before coming out with evidence. This court document directly implicate Emefiele as the owner of the estate or at least one of them
@Abah_Oboh: No only Soware almost every Nigerian want to know who and who owns this property with public fund?. It’s clear and vivid when you fortified ordinary citizens properties, EFCC usually mention the person name, but why you hidden the name for this thief, thank God we have Sahara.
@Blunt_Clime: We’d end up all liking Mr. Sowore.
A dodged fighter. Didn’t take him time to respond to the trash post by EFCC. Everyone’s style can’t be the same, I respect PO’s approach but what the nation needs now as key flag bearer if we must bring down the junta is the likes of Sowore. QED
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
