The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has the powers to dispose of the assets retrieved from late former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh, as it pleases.
The commission said this in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Tony Orilade, on the sidelines of its forfeiture of a mansion owned by Badeh to the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
The commission said it acted within the law and in accordance with the guidelines on the management of forfeited properties.
Badeh was until his death in December 2018 being prosecuted by the EFCC over N3.9 billion money laundering.
“Section 31 of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004 which deals with ‘Final Disposal of Forfeited Property,’ stipulates that ‘Upon receipt of a final order, pursuant to this section, the Secretary to the Commission shall take steps to dispose of the property concerned by sale or otherwise.’
“We, therefore, wish to state with a high sense of responsibility that there is no ambiguity regarding who has the power to superintend the disposal of forfeited assets. It is within the power of the Secretary to the Commission, and he duly exercised the powers of his office by handing the property to VON,” the EFCC said.
The commission added: “In Badeh’s case, the court’s verdict in the final forfeiture of the property was to the federal government and the judge understands that the Secretary to the Commission has the power to dispose of the asset by sale or otherwise.
“As a law enforcement agency, the Commission is guided by approved rules of engagement as it strives to deliver on its mandate.”
