Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has vowed that never again will looted public assets recovered by the Commission be allowed to be relooted, assuring Nigerians of renewed commitment to transparency and accountability.
Olukoyede gave the assurance on Wednesday during a visit to the newly designated Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna state — a facility formerly known as Nok University and recently forfeited to the federal hovernment after a court ruling.
The university was initially a private institution established in 2021 by Anthony Hassan, a former Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Health.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had in June 2024 ordered the final forfeiture of the property, ruling it was acquired using proceeds of crime.
Other assets forfeited included a water factory, hotel, and event centre.
Addressing stakeholders at the campus, the EFCC Chairman described the conversion of the facility into a federal university as a milestone in the fight against corruption and a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to good governance.
“This is a testimony that good governance is possible in Nigeria,” Olukoyede said.
“Never in the history of this country will we allow recovered assets to be relooted again. What you see here is a result of accountability, transparency, and judicious use of recovered assets.
“Nigerians must enjoy the proceeds of accountability, and that is why this university has been returned to serve the immediate community and the nation at large. The President has given us clear directives, and he has backed it up with action and leadership.”
He further revealed that similar efforts were being replicated elsewhere.
“Just yesterday, I was in Bayelsa to commission projects built from funds recovered from the NDDC. This is no longer just about seizures—it is about using those assets for the benefit of Nigerians,” he said.
Olukoyede added that the Commission has officially handed over the Kachia project to the Federal Ministry of Education as directed by President Tinubu, and assured that the facility will be put to proper use.
“This is proof that the anti-corruption war is not just working — it is producing visible benefits for Nigerians,” he declared.
He commended President Tinubu for supporting the Commission, while also appreciating Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung and other stakeholders for their efforts in making the university project a reality.
Also speaking, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, described the conversion of the forfeited university into a federal institution as “akin to the creation of a new state for Southern Kaduna.”
“We are indeed grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and our governor, Senator Uba Sani, for making this dream come true. This university is a legacy project for our people,” he said.
On his part, Vice Chancellor of the new Federal University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Barnabas Qurix, thanked the EFCC Chair for the visit and appealed for sustained support to enable the institution to stand on its feet.