EFCC Breaks Silence, Clarifies Court-Backed Attachment of Abuja Property Amid Sahara Reporters’ Claims

Follow

( 0 Followers )

X

Follow

E-mail : *

Follow Unfollow

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified details surrounding its recent enforcement action on a property in Abuja, countering what it described as distortions in a report published by Sahara Reporters.

The publication had alleged that EFCC officials “invaded” a property located at Plot 680–689, Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, Abuja, despite an existing court order restraining the agency and awarding N20 million in damages to Jona Brothers.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the EFCC dismissed the report as misleading, insisting that its actions were backed by a lawful court order.

According to the Commission, the property in question is tied to an ongoing criminal charge before Justice A.I. Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The anti-graft agency revealed that it had secured an interim forfeiture order from Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The order, granted pending the determination of the criminal case, empowered the EFCC to take possession of the property and appoint competent managers to oversee it on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Commission emphasized that the enforcement carried out on Friday, November 28, 2025, was strictly in line with the court-sanctioned attachment order, describing Sahara Reporters’ claim of an “invasion” as inaccurate and sensational.

EFCC further clarified that the criminal charge previously struck out by Justice Osho Adebiyi — along with the N20 million cost award — bears no connection to the interim forfeiture order currently in effect.

The statement added that the property’s enforcement process does not affect or violate ongoing appeals concerning its ownership. The Commission said it remains committed to following due process and is actively participating in all related court proceedings.

The EFCC urged the media to uphold accuracy, objectivity and balance in their reports, noting that such professionalism is essential as it continues its mandate to combat corruption across Nigeria.