The Federal Government has taken formal ownership of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, previously linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, following its recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On Wednesday, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, and EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, inspected the estate located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone CO9, Lokogoma District, which spans over 150,000 square metres. The visit followed a handover ceremony held on Tuesday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The property, which secured final forfeiture orders in December 2024, is set to undergo structural integrity tests before being listed for public sale through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal.
“This is a landmark recovery. Once assessed and completed, these homes will be made available to Nigerians through a transparent process,” Dangiwa said.
He added that the estate will be integrated into the government’s National Social Housing Programme, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s housing and anti-corruption agenda.
EFCC Chairman Olukoyede emphasised transparency in asset recovery, stating, “We want Nigerians to see that seized assets are not just documented, they are returned for public benefit.”
The FCT High Court had earlier dismissed Emefiele’s attempt to reclaim the estate, ruling that due legal process was followed in the forfeiture. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie maintained that Emefiele failed to challenge the order within the stipulated period, rendering the forfeiture final.