The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for securing the recovery of a sprawling estate in Abuja from a former high-ranking government official implicated in corruption.
The forfeited estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, measures 150,500 square meters and includes 753 duplexes and apartments. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted the final forfeiture order on Monday, December 2, 2024, marking it as one of the EFCC’s most significant recoveries since its establishment in 2003.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, Clerk of the Senate, NANS headquarters, the students’ body described the recovery as a “monumental achievement” in the fight against corruption.
Odunayo commended the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for his determination and resilience in tackling corruption across public and private sectors.
“Nigeria will be a better place if corruption is tackled head-on. This forfeiture sends a strong message to corrupt officials that they can no longer operate with impunity,” the statement read.
NANS urged the EFCC to sustain the momentum by extending its investigations to government ministries, parastatals, and agencies, citing reports of similar illicitly acquired properties in Abuja and other parts of the country.
Odunayo also called for: Asset tracing and recovery initiatives to target corrupt officials at the state level.
Enhanced vigilance within the EFCC to eliminate corrupt insiders who could undermine the agency’s integrity.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by corrupt individuals fighting back against investigations, NANS encouraged the EFCC to brace for resistance and strengthen its resolve.
“The management of EFCC must remain firm and committed to exposing and prosecuting those who plunder public resources,” Odunayo stated.
NANS concluded by reaffirming its support for the anti-graft agency’s mission and encouraging the Nigerian government to back efforts to rid the nation of corruption, ensuring better governance and accountability.
