Emefiele Unveiled as Owner of Forfeited 753-Duplex Abuja Estate, EFCC Confirms
By Okafor Joseph Afam
December 3, 2024
A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been identified as the owner of a vast estate in Abuja containing 753 duplexes, which was recently forfeited to the Nigerian government. The forfeiture followed a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo on Monday.
Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, confirmed the ownership via his Twitter account, where he criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for initially withholding the identity of the owner.
Details of the Forfeiture
The estate, described as the single largest asset recovery by the EFCC since its inception in 2003, spans 150,500 square meters in Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. Justice Onwuegbuzie ordered its final forfeiture to the federal government, stating that the respondent failed to show sufficient cause as to why the property should not be forfeited.
The EFCC, in its application, relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and Section 44 (2) B of the Nigerian Constitution to secure the judgment. The Commission argued that the estate was acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.
Emefiele’s Legal Troubles
Emefiele is currently facing multiple corruption charges, including his role in the controversial naira redesign policy, before the FCT High Court in Maitama. His trial has been adjourned to December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025, for continuation.
Sowore’s Criticism of EFCC
Omoyele Sowore took to social media to criticize the EFCC for what he described as selective enforcement of justice. He accused the Commission of shielding high-profile individuals while publicly shaming smaller offenders, such as alleged internet fraudsters.
In his post, Sowore wrote:
“The @officialEFCC seized this large estate with 753 duplexes from a single individual in Abuja but can’t mention his or her name. If it is Yahoo boys, they will line laptops and Nokia phones in front of them and send their photos globally even before their trial commences. The same EFCC is now AFRAID of BIG Thieves!”
He further highlighted the irony of government policies that claim housing is not a priority for citizens while officials amass wealth illegally to build properties for personal gain.
Implications of the Forfeiture
The EFCC stated that the forfeiture aligns with its mandate to ensure that corrupt individuals do not benefit from the proceeds of their unlawful acts. However, the revelations have sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many demanding stricter measures to curb high-level corruption.
As the case against Emefiele progresses, all eyes remain on the judiciary to ensure accountability and justice in this high-profile corruption case.