The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized a 753-unit duplex estate in Abuja, allegedly owned by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. The property, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, spans 150,500 square meters and is valued in billions of naira, marking the EFCC’s largest asset recovery to date.
On December 2, 2024, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court ordered the final forfeiture of the estate to the federal government. The court ruled that Emefiele failed to prove the property was not acquired through unlawful means, citing Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act (2006) and Section 44(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution (1999).
The estate, previously placed under interim forfeiture on November 1, 2024, was linked to fraudulent activities involving public officials. It comprises 753 duplexes and apartments. The EFCC hailed the forfeiture as a milestone in its fight against corruption, emphasizing its commitment to depriving individuals of assets acquired through fraudulent activities.
Emefiele is also facing multiple corruption charges, including allegations related to the controversial naira redesign policy. Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential aspirant, accused Emefiele of using kickbacks to fund the estate’s construction and criticized the EFCC for initially concealing his identity.
The EFCC has reiterated its resolve to intensify its crackdown on corruption and recover stolen public assets.
