The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday formally took possession of 753 housing units in Abuja, recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The handover ceremony took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, where EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, presented the official documents to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa.
According to a statement from the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Salisu Badamasi Haiba, Minister Dangiwa praised the EFCC for its commitment to asset recovery and the fight against corruption.
“This marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure that recovered assets are put to productive use in ways that directly benefit the Nigerian people,” Dangiwa said. “The housing estate recovered from the former CBN Governor is a case in point.”
A federal high court had earlier ordered the forfeiture of the estate to the government, following EFCC investigations.
Dangiwa disclosed that the ministry will conduct a joint inspection of the estate with EFCC officials to assess the current state of the buildings and infrastructure. He said the ministry would also undertake structural integrity checks to ensure the safety and habitability of the units.
In addition, a comprehensive technical evaluation will be conducted to determine the cost of completing essential infrastructure such as perimeter fencing, internal roads, drainage, police post, shopping areas, and recreational facilities.
Dangiwa explained that the housing units would be offered for public sale and to meet specific government needs. He assured that the sale process would be transparent, with advertisements and application submissions conducted through the ‘Renewed Hope Portal’.
“We are committed to making this a model of accountability and public benefit,” the minister added.
In his remarks, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede said the property handover reflects the impact of the agency’s anti-corruption efforts in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, spans over 150,000 square meters and contains hundreds of apartments.
Olukoyede explained that the asset was forfeited through a civil process after investigations revealed it could not have been legitimately acquired. He stressed the importance of transparency in the management of recovered assets.
“It is important to demonstrate to Nigerians that recovered proceeds of crime will be put to proper use and not looted again,” he said.
He added that the EFCC will continue to monitor the estate’s development and provide periodic updates to the president.
Olukoyede also commended President Tinubu for supporting the anti-corruption drive and the judiciary for upholding justice in asset recovery cases.
The event was concluded with the formal presentation of the estate’s handover documents to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
