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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially handed over 753 housing units, recovered from a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The properties were discovered following intelligence reports at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
The estate spans 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 duplexes and other apartment units. The recovery was effected based on a final forfeiture order issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on December 2, 2024.
During the handover ceremony, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to transparent asset recovery and proper disposal procedures.
He emphasized that such actions are aimed at showing Nigerians that all recovered proceeds of crime are managed with accountability, ensuring that looted assets are not re-looted or misused.
In a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, Olukoyede stated, “It is crucial to demonstrate to Nigerians that the fight against corruption is effective and achievable.
A key element of this success is preventing those who have stolen public wealth from benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. Depriving criminals of these gains is central to our work.”
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong stance on combating corruption, noting that the property handover reflects the government’s serious resolve to tackle economic and financial crimes and other corrupt practices.
The handover event took place in a brief ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, commended the EFCC for its sustained dedication to asset recovery and anti-corruption efforts.
He described the transfer as a “significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure recovered assets are effectively utilized for the benefit of Nigerians.”
Minister Dangiwa further assured that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will conduct a joint inspection tour of the estate alongside EFCC officials to properly assess the structural condition of the properties, ensuring they are put to productive use.