Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, describing the Commission’s recent record of asset recoveries and anti-corruption enforcement as unprecedented.
Onoh said the EFCC’s recent achievements reflect a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, adding that the Commission under Olukoyede has established a new benchmark in Nigeria’s fight against economic and financial crimes.
He cited the recent final forfeiture of 52 terrace and maisonette housing units at Mercyville Estate, Covenant Way, off New Road, Ilasan, Lekki, Lagos, to the Federal Government as one of the Commission’s latest milestones.
According to him, the properties, linked to Fielddreams Limited, Ifeanyi Nweke and Amex Savings and Loans Limited, were forfeited following a July 15, 2026 judgment by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, after the court held that they were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Onoh said the forfeiture adds to a growing list of high-profile recoveries secured by the Commission, including assets linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, comprising jewellery, luxury vehicles and cash, as well as properties associated with former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
He also pointed to the EFCC’s prosecutions and related actions involving former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, as evidence of what he described as the Commission’s resolve to enforce the law without regard to status or political influence.
According to Onoh, Olukoyede has overseen the most intensive period of recoveries in the EFCC’s history since assuming office in October 2023.
He said the Commission has recovered more than ₦566.32 billion, $411.57 million, over £71,000 and more than €182,000 within about two years, alongside recoveries in other foreign currencies.
Beyond cash recoveries, Onoh said the EFCC has secured the forfeiture of 1,502 non-monetary assets, including the 753-duplex estate in Lokogoma, Abuja, and Nok University in Kaduna, which has since been converted into a Federal University.
“While former chairmen such as Ibrahim Magu recorded significant recoveries over longer periods and pioneers like Nuhu Ribadu laid the institutional foundation for the Commission, Olukoyede’s stewardship has delivered remarkable results within a comparatively short period. On a per-year basis, this represents the most intensive recovery drive since the establishment of the EFCC in 2003,” he said.
Onoh added that the impact of the recoveries extends beyond law enforcement, noting that some of the recovered assets have been deployed to support key Federal Government programmes, including the Student Loan Scheme and consumer credit initiatives.
He said the approach ensures that proceeds recovered from criminal activities are redirected towards projects that benefit ordinary Nigerians.
The former presidential spokesman also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as the political will that has enabled the EFCC to operate independently and intensify the fight against corruption, financial crimes and cybercrime.
He further praised the Commission’s crackdown on internet fraud syndicates, cryptocurrency scams, investment fraud and transnational criminal networks, including the arrest, prosecution and deportation of foreign nationals involved in organised financial crimes.
According to him, Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List reflects growing international confidence in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, attributing part of the progress to the EFCC’s enforcement efforts.
Reflecting on Olukoyede’s appointment, Onoh said initial doubts expressed by some observers had been overtaken by the Commission’s performance.
“His appointment has proved to be a masterstroke. Despite the inevitable challenges associated with institutional reforms, the EFCC under Ola Olukoyede has demonstrated professionalism, transparency in asset management, and a balanced approach that combines enforcement with preventive measures. These achievements have strengthened the Commission’s credibility both within Nigeria and internationally,” he said.
Onoh called on President Tinubu, Nigerians and the international community to sustain support for the EFCC, stressing that continued institutional backing would strengthen the Commission’s capacity to recover stolen assets, deter corruption and deepen public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
“The EFCC’s work is restoring faith in our institutions and reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law. The Commission has demonstrated that integrity, professionalism and determination can produce measurable results. I congratulate Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the entire EFCC workforce on these remarkable milestones and encourage them to remain steadfast. Greater achievements lie ahead,” he said.
