The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has officially taken possession of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja previously linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The estate was recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) via a civil forfeiture process.
At a formal handover ceremony on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, presented the estate to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the event, Arc. Dangiwa commended the EFCC for its relentless pursuit of accountability and the recovery of public assets, describing the handover as a milestone in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This marks 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,” he said. “The housing estate recovered from the former CBN Governor is a case in point.”
Following the handover, the Ministry, in collaboration with the EFCC, will conduct a joint inspection of the estate, which is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, spanning over 150,000 square metres. The property comprises hundreds of housing units, and structural integrity tests will be carried out to ensure safety and suitability for habitation.
Dangiwa disclosed that a technical team would also assess the cost of completing essential infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, internal roads, drainage, a police post, shopping and recreational centres, and other amenities.
He revealed that the housing units would be sold to both the general public and for government purposes, through a transparent and competitive process.
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“We will adopt a nationwide advertisement strategy and make use of the Renewed Hope Portal where interested Nigerians can express their interest. This will be a model of accountability and public benefit,” he said.
EFCC Chairman Olukoyede reiterated that the estate’s forfeiture followed thorough investigations, during which ownership could not be legally justified. He assured Nigerians that all recovered assets would be transparently accounted for and utilised.
“It is important for us to demonstrate that the proceeds of crime recovered will be used transparently. We must not allow looted assets to be looted again,” he warned.
Olukoyede added that the Commission would continue monitoring the estate’s redevelopment and provide regular updates to the President. He thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian judiciary for their support in the anti-corruption drive.
The highlight of the event was the official transfer of ownership documentation from the EFCC to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
