Breaking: EFCC seizes Abuja estate with 753 duplexes linked to Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) court on Monday, 2 December 2024, ordered the final forfeiture of a vast estate in Abuja, comprising 753 duplexes and other apartments, to the Nigerian government.
The estate, located in Lokogoma District, spans 150,500 square meters and is the largest single asset recovery in the history of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The estate has been linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who is currently facing multiple corruption charges, including allegations related to the controversial naira redesign policy.
Human rights activist and RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore confirmed Emefiele’s ownership in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, accusing the EFCC of shielding high-profile individuals while publicizing minor offenders.
Sowore criticized the EFCC for failing to initially disclose Emefiele’s name, alleging bias in its approach. According to Sowore, “The EFCC is now doing PR for thieves.” “If it is Yahoo boys, they will line laptops and Nokia phones in front of them and send their photos globally even before trial.”
The estate’s forfeiture follows a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, who declared that the property, suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, be permanently handed over to the federal government.
The EFCC cited its powers under the Advance Fee Fraud and Related Offences Act of 2006 and Section 44(2)(B) of the Nigerian Constitution to secure the judgment.
Sowore also questioned the EFCC’s credibility, pointing out that the commission has been quick to prosecute low-level cybercriminals while allegedly protecting prominent figures.
He described the estate’s seizure as evidence of systemic corruption at the highest levels of government. Emefiele’s legal troubles continue to surface, with his trial for corruption charges scheduled before the FCT High Court in Maitama. Justice Maryann Anenih has adjourned the case to December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025, for further hearings
