The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has completed the transfer of 14 properties previously forfeited to the Federal Government, now returned to the government and people of Enugu State.
This significant handover, conducted at the EFCC corporate headquarters, was overseen by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
The properties, which include residential houses, transmission infrastructure for radio and television stations, and a building designated for medical services, were recovered from the former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani.
In his address during the handover ceremony, Olukoyede emphasized the enduring partnership between the federal and state governments, underscoring the importance of good governance for Nigerian citizens. He highlighted the lengthy legal process leading to the forfeiture, spanning back to 2007, and stressed the collaborative effort to return these assets to their rightful owners.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State expressed gratitude for the return of these properties, acknowledging the EFCC’s role in ensuring the state reclaimed its assets. He particularly thanked President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the transfer of the forfeited assets back to Enugu State.
While appreciating Olukoyede’s efforts in fortifying the EFCC as an institution, Governor Mbah cautioned against any attempts to undermine its integrity, emphasizing the importance of strong governmental institutions.
The properties in question were initially tied to four companies associated with Chimaroke Nnamani, namely Rainbownet Nigeria Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile Nigeria Limited, and Renaissance University Teaching Hospital. These companies had pleaded guilty to charges brought against them by the EFCC, leading to the forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government.
The handover signifies a milestone in the efforts to combat corruption and ensure that misappropriated assets are rightfully returned to the people they belong to, marking a step forward in the pursuit of transparent governance in Nigeria.
