The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed disappointment over an allegation by activist Omoyele Sowore that it was covering the identity of the promoters of the recovered 753 duplexes in the Lokogoma district of Abuja.

EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, in a statement, said Sowore was undermining the efforts of the agency after achieving such a historic feat.

“The denigration of such efforts by Omoyele Sowore and his think-same and act-same is unacceptable and grossly un-charitable,” Oyewale said.

The commission clarified that its actions adhered to the Advance Fee Fraud Act, which allows legal action to be taken against properties, not individuals, in cases of unclaimed assets. The investigation and subsequent forfeiture followed legal procedures to ensure justice.

The EFCC spokesman also noted that Sowore’s focus on undermining their efforts was disappointing, as the broader issue of systemic corruption and loopholes that enable such crimes should be the primary concern of all Nigerians.

Sowore accused the EFCC that it was doing ‘PR for thieves’ saying the antigraft agency was withholding crucial information following the forfeiture of 753 duplexes in Abuja, a seizure described as the largest in the agency’s history.

“What is the name of the ‘former top brass’ with 753 duplexes seized by the EFCC in Abuja?” Sowore said on his social media page.

He accused the EFCC of double standards, adding, “If it is Yahoo boys, they will line laptops and Nokia phones in front of them and send their photos globally even before their trial commences. The same EFCC is now afraid of big thieves!”

Meanwhile, the commission reiterated that its ongoing investigation was focused on securing accountability while maintaining professionalism by not disclosing unverified personal details.

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“It will be unprofessional of the EFCC to go to town by mentioning names of individuals whose identities were not directly linked to any title document of the properties,” Oyewale said.

The EFCC on Monday announced its largest asset recovery since its establishment. The recovered asset, located in the Federal Capital Territory, is an estate spanning 150,500 square meters and comprising 753 units of duplexes and other apartments.

The recovery followed a ruling delivered on December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.

On November 1, 2024, the judge had given an order of interim forfeiture on the property.

Oyewale said the property was owned by a former top government official.