By Bayero Ade
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized an estate in Abuja containing 753 duplexes and apartments, reportedly linked to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele. This marks the agency’s largest asset seizure since its establishment in 2003.
In a statement issued late Monday, the EFCC revealed that Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court ordered the final forfeiture of the estate, which spans 150,500 square meters in the Lokogoma District of Abuja.
The EFCC noted that the forfeiture was in line with its mandate to prevent individuals from enjoying proceeds of corruption. The Commission relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution to argue its case.
Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled:
“The respondent has not provided sufficient cause as to why the property, reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities, should not be forfeited. Therefore, the property is hereby finally forfeited to the Federal Government.”
The EFCC initially secured an interim forfeiture order for the estate on November 1, 2024, paving the way for Monday’s final ruling.
The estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, is under investigation as part of broader inquiries into alleged corruption involving a “former top government official.”
Allegations Against Emefiele
Emefiele, already facing charges related to corruption and the controversial naira redesign policy, has been implicated as the owner of the seized estate.
Activist and former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore alleged that Emefiele used kickbacks to build the estate, questioning why the EFCC initially withheld his identity.
“I just heard that the 753 duplexes forfeited by an FCT Court in Apo belong to Muhammadu Buhari’s CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele,” Sowore said. “He reportedly built this estate and more with kickbacks.”
The EFCC has not officially confirmed Emefiele’s ownership, but investigations are ongoing. The case highlights the agency’s intensified efforts to recover assets allegedly acquired through fraudulent means.
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