From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has received a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, previously linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, following its forfeiture by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The handover occurred on Tuesday, May 20, in Abuja.
EFCC Executive Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, while transferring the estate to Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa, said the action reflects the fight against financial crimes under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceeds of crime we have recovered, their application will be transparent,” Olukoyede stated. He noted that the investigation, initiated in 2024, led to the civil forfeiture of the estate at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, spanning 150,462.86 square metres, as it was deemed illegitimately acquired.
Olukoyede thanked President Tinubu for fostering an environment conducive to anti-corruption efforts and the judiciary for supporting the process. He added that the EFCC would monitor the project’s completion, ensuring periodic updates to the president.
Dangiwa praised the EFCC’s efforts under Olukoyede, calling the handover a milestone in using recovered assets for public benefit. “This marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure that recovered assets are put to productive use,” he said.
The ministry plans a joint familiarisation tour with the EFCC to assess the estate’s condition. “We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation,” Dangiwa explained.
He outlined plans for a technical evaluation to estimate costs for completing infrastructure, including roads, drainage, fencing, and amenities like a police post and recreational centres. The units will be offered for public sale through a transparent process, including nationwide advertisements and the Renewed Hope Portal for expressions of interest.
“We are committed to making this a model of accountability and public benefit,” Dangiwa said.
The event concluded with Olukoyede officially handing over the estate’s documents to Dangiwa.