The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it will soon begin to investigate the ownership of multi-billion Naira housing estates that have been abandoned by anonymous persons in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairman of the commission, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, made this known when he spoke at a Forum of the Special Anti-Corruption Situation Room, organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) yesterday Monday, April 29th.
Represented at the ocassion by Dr. Esa Onoja, his Chief of Staff, Owasanoye noted that nobody had come forward to claim ownership, even after the commission began Non-Conviction Assets Forfeiture proceedings, in line with Section 17 of the Advanced Free Fraud Act.
“Where nobody comes forward to claim ownership after publication of Temporary Forfeiture Orders from the courts, the assets become the property of the Federal Government. It’s a big problem that requires information from members of the public. We feel that citizens should provide information and after providing information, to act as witnesses. The current administration has a very strong and viable whistleblowing policy.
“Over N.5 trillion has been recovered through this policy. But a lot more information is required. If we can only get just 25 per cent of what has been stolen and if that money is deployed to education, health, security, I think we would be on the road to joining other nations that our citizens will like to fly to and use their resources.” he said
