Human rights lawyer and executive director of Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) Barr. Maxwell Opara has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for recovering the property belonging to a 79-year-old grandmother, Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu, in Abuja.
Opara, who spoke at a press conference organised by INAHURAT in Abuja, commended the anti-graft agency for its professional handling of the matter.
He, however, raised concerns about delay in justice from other institutions, especially the Nigeria Police Force
The activist said Hajia Yesufu became the owner of a property in Guzape, Abuja, in 2010 but discovered in 2023 that it had been illegally developed and sold.
Her legal representatives petitioned the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other law enforcement agencies. The FCTA identified irregularities, including forged documents allegedly used to claim the ownership and obtain building permits.
Opara said acting on a petition from the victim’s lawyers, the EFCC conducted a detailed investigation, where they uncovered fraudulent activities linked to the property.
Their efforts led to a Federal High Court order enabling the agency to begin restoring the property to its rightful owner.
Opara also alleged that previous investigations by other agencies were inconclusive, resulting in prolonged distress for Hajia Yesufu and her family. Despite petitions to various authorities, progress was only achieved after the EFCC stepped in.
The activist urged the EFCC to finalise its work by ensuring that all parties implicated in the alleged fraud are brought before the court.
The human rights lawyer also called on the media to continue to play critical roles in holding public officials accountable and ensuring justice for vulnerable citizens.
“The EFCC conducted a thorough and professional investigation and have concluded their investigations. It is important to note that in the course of the EFCC investigation, it was discovered that forged AGIS and CAC documents were used in connection with the Yesufu family lands in Katampe, leading to the sale of the properties to unsuspecting Nigerians.
“Thankfully, the EFCC restored confidence in the system on this particular matter by securing an interim forfeiture order on December 20 from the Federal High Court in Abuja and has begun to recover the stolen properties for mama and her family.
“Investigations revealed that a fake power of attorney (POA) was fraudulently registered as FC 160 Page 160 Vol. 69 PA and uploaded onto the AGIS system.
“It also revealed that a forged right-of-occupancy was used to obtain building approvals, which led to the withdrawal of the building permit, sealing, and marking of the building for demolition in October 2023.
“The EFCC’s investigation uncovered fraudulent activities related to the illegal sale and development of the land. The commission’s actions, however, have given hope to Mama Yesufu’s family, who have endured hardship while fighting to reclaim their property.”
“All crimes reported by Nigerian citizens or foreigners alike to the police must be investigated; that is the constitutional responsibility of the police; it’s not a privilege reserved for an exclusive few in our society.
“Finally, we call on the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede to finish the good work the commission and its operatives have done thus far, by ensuring that the appropriate legal steps are taken to address this matter fully,” he said.
