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Daniel Adaji
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally handed over a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, recovered from the embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele—to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi on Tuesday. EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, presented the documents to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Olukoyede said the estate was forfeited following an investigation into its ownership, which concluded that “no one could have owned it legitimately.”
“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceed of crime that we had recovered in the course of our work, the application of that will be made transparent to Nigerians so that we will not allow looted assets to be looted again,” he said.
He added that the EFCC would continue to monitor the completion of the project and receive periodic updates from the Ministry to ensure accountability.
The estate, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, sits on a parcel of land measuring over 150,000 square meters and contains hundreds of apartments.
Receiving the documents, Minister Dangiwa commended the EFCC’s leadership for its commitment to asset recovery and transparency.
He described the handover as “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 announced that the Ministry would begin a joint inspection with the EFCC to assess the estate’s condition.
“We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and associated infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation,” he said.
He also revealed plans to complete outstanding infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, internal roads, drainage systems, a police post, shopping areas, recreational centers, and other basic amenities.
“The Ministry will offer the units for sale both to the public and for special government needs. For the public sale component, we will adopt a transparent and competitive process. This will include nationwide advertisement and the use of the Renewed Hope Portal where interested Nigerians can submit their Expressions of Interest,” he stated.
Dangiwa pledged to ensure the process remains transparent, saying, “We are committed to making this a model of accountability and public benefit, and we look forward to working closely with the Commission to bring this effort to a successful conclusion.”
Olukoyede, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for the fight against corruption and to the judiciary for supporting efforts to bring economic offenders to justice.