FG to Sell 753 Housing Units Seized from Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele

Summary

• Over 750 seized housing units to be sold to Nigerians via Renewed Hope Portal
• Estate marks EFCC’s largest single asset recovery since 2003
• Emefiele challenges forfeiture in court, citing lack of due process

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has announced plans to sell 753 housing units recovered from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, following a major asset seizure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The properties, located within a sprawling estate covering over 150,000 square metres, will undergo structural integrity tests before being completed and made available to Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Portal, according to a joint statement by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the EFCC.

The estate, officially forfeited to the government in December 2024 by a ruling from Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, is considered the EFCC’s largest single asset recovery since its establishment in 2003.

Speaking during a recent inspection of the estate, Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa reaffirmed the administration’s anti-corruption drive.

“The government of the day is serious about fighting corruption,” Dangiwa said, while praising the EFCC for its efforts.

He added that the Ministry will begin immediate technical assessments of the buildings and complete the estate in preparation for resale to the public.

EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, who joined Dangiwa during the tour, stressed the importance of public transparency:

“The essence of this visit is to show that it is real,” he said, referring to the seized estate.

Dangiwa also urged Nigerians to support the EFCC’s recovery initiatives, noting that public trust is crucial for ensuring that such assets are used to benefit the broader population.

However, the process may face legal hurdles. In April 2025, Emefiele filed a motion at an FCT High Court to reclaim the property, arguing that the forfeiture proceedings were conducted without his knowledge, despite ongoing communication with the EFCC on other legal matters.

The properties form part of the federal government’s broader effort to recover and repurpose illicit assets under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ministry Warns Against Scammers, Clarifies Sale Process Has Not Begun

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has clarified that it has not commenced any sale process for the 753 housing units recovered from former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, warning the public to beware of fraudsters posing as officials.

The clarification follows reports of scam attempts in which individuals falsely claim to have access to ministry housing slots and demand N500,000 for non-existent expression of interest forms.

In a statement signed by Badamasi Haiba, Director of Press and Public Relations, the ministry stressed that it is still in the early stages of taking over and preparing the estate. The estate was only recently handed over by the EFCC, in line with a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The ministry has just taken over the estate from the EFCC… The houses will be completed by the ministry and all the necessary infrastructure will be provided before offering to the public,” the statement noted.

It added that a technical committee has been established to conduct thorough integrity tests, assess infrastructure needs, and develop a transparent disposal strategy in accordance with government objectives.

The ministry assured Nigerians that once the estate is ready, it will issue clear and official announcements detailing the sales strategy via appropriate channels, including the Renewed Hope Portal.

Haiba emphasized the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, and urged the public to remain vigilant. Any interested individuals were advised to make inquiries through the Departments of Public Building and Housing Development or the Press and Public Relations office, not through unofficial intermediaries.