A shocking revelation has emerged about the massive Abuja estate forfeited to the Nigerian government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to top officials in the commission, former Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, had planned to build 774 duplexes in the estate, with each unit intended to be sold for N200 million.
The estate, which rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, was forfeited to the federal government following a court ruling on Monday. The EFCC had earlier reported that this was the single largest asset recovery by the Commission since its inception in 2003.
Emefiele, who is currently standing trial on several charges bordering on corruption, including the new naira redesign, had allegedly planned to name each of the 774 duplexes after a Nigerian Local Government Area. The receipt for ordering roofing of the estate, found in Emefiele’s Lagos home, was a crucial piece of evidence linking him to the ownership of the estate.
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, had earlier blasted the EFCC for refusing to name the former Nigerian “top brass” who owned the estate. Sowore revealed that he had heard from sources that the estate belonged to Emefiele .
The EFCC has confirmed that the forfeiture of the property was pursuant to its mandate and policy directive of ensuring that corrupt and fraudulent individuals do not enjoy the proceeds of their unlawful activities.
