By Muhammad Mamman
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 houses it had previously confiscated, ruling that the seizure was unlawful.
In a decision delivered on Monday, the court held that the anti-graft agency acted outside the bounds of its powers when it took possession of the properties without sufficient legal basis. The judge stated that the EFCC failed to establish any credible evidence linking the assets to criminal activity, describing the commission’s actions as “an overreach inconsistent with due process.”
The ruling comes amid growing public debate over the EFCC’s asset-seizure powers, with critics arguing that the agency often confiscates properties before concluding investigations or securing convictions.
The court’s order mandates the EFCC to return the 27 houses to their rightful owner without delay and bars the commission from taking further action on the assets unless backed by a valid court order.
Legal analysts say the judgement underscores the need for stronger safeguards to prevent abuses in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts while ensuring that legitimate investigations are not undermined.
The EFCC has not yet issued an official response to the ruling.
