A confiscated 753 units housing estate, which included 753 units previously owned by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, was jointly examined by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, and Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the EFCC recovered the estate from the Abuja estate and gave it to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Dangiwa stated during the inspection on Wednesday that the ministry would begin technical assessments by conducting building integrity checks right away.
He noted that Nigerians will be able to purchase housing units through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, which is already in operation, after the evaluation is complete.
READ MORE: FG To Sell 753-Unit Housing Estate Recovered From Emefiele
The current government takes action to combat corruption seriously. One of the most significant achievements in recent memory for the nation in such a short period of time is this recovery. According to Dangiwa, it reflects our commitment to accountability, accountability, and ensuring that Nigerian assets are used for the benefit of the people.
He further urged people in public offices to avoid engaging in dishonest behavior and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the EFCC’s efforts to recover looted assets for the public.
Transparency
Olukoyede, the EFCC Chairman, on his part, stressed the value of transparency and public trust in the organization’s operations.
“Aviation shots on television were what many Nigerians had previously seen,” the statement continued. This visit aims to demonstrate its realness in essence. We want the public to be aware that the EFCC ensures that properties are used effectively rather than just seizing them, he added.
In line with President Tinubu’s plan to promote affordable housing and good governance, the estate is anticipated to be integrated into the Federal Government’s National Social Housing Programme.
During a handover ceremony held at the EFCC’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development officially acknowledged receipt of the property.
Salisu Badamasi Haiba, the ministry’s director of press and public relations, praised the EFCC for its commitment to asset recovery and the wider anti-corruption fight in a statement released by the ministry.
“This represents a significant milestone in our collective determination to make sure the Nigerian people’s reclaimed assets are used effectively.” A prime example of this is the housing estate that was recovered from the former central bank governor,” the statement read.
Emefiele filed a request to reclaim the forfeited property on April 28th, but the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja rejected it.
More than 150 000 square meters are located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone CO9, in the Lokogoma District of Abuja. In December 2024, the seized property was granted both interim and final forfeiture orders.
Emefiele claimed that the EFCC published the notice in an obscure section of a newspaper and that he was not properly informed about the proceedings through his attorney Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN). He claimed that it was also difficult to respond quickly to his ongoing trials in Abuja and Lagos.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie determined, however, that Emefiele had enough time to challenge the forfeiture but that the publication did not do so in accordance with the law.
Source: Channels TV
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