The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, feels obliged to correct the distortions and misrepresentations contained in a news story published by Sahara Reporters headlined: “EFCC Invades Abuja Property Despite Court Order Restraining Agency, Awarding N20million To Jona Brothers”.
The Abuja property, Plot 680-689 Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, Abuja, referenced in the report, is a subject of criminal charge before Justice A.I Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court .
However, the EFCC sought and secured an order of interim forfeiture of the property before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja pending the determination of the criminal charge before Justice Kutigi. In granting the order, the court authorized the EFCC to “appoint competent persons/ firm to manage the assets/properties listed in the schedule therein, temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pending the conclusion of investigation and determination of criminal charges against the suspect”.
What Sahara Reporters wrongfully called “ invasion” was the Friday, November 28, 2025 enforcement of the order of attachment of the property by officers of the Commission. No extra-judicial measure or step was ever taken by the EFCC.
It is also important to point out that the criminal charge struck out by Justice Osho Adebiyi and the N20m cost she awarded is not in any way connected to the interim order.
In addition, the enforcement of the interim forfeiture order of the property by the Commission is without prejudice to ongoing appeals on court pronouncements about the true ownership of the property. The appeals are ongoing and the EFCC is diligently attending proceedings.
The media is enjoined to keep faith with the ethics of objectivity and balanced reporting and allow the EFCC concentrate on its mandate of ridding the country of all acts of corruption.
