A massive estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes, has been forfeited to the Nigerian government after a court ruling on Monday.
According to human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, the estate belongs to Godwin Emefiele, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Emefiele is currently standing trial on several charges bordering on corruption, including those related to the new naira redesign. The trial is ongoing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, with Justice Maryann Anenih adjourning the matter till December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025.
Sowore had earlier criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for refusing to disclose the identity of the owner of the estate. He noted that the EFCC is now afraid of big thieves and has become their public relations officer.
The EFCC had announced the seizure of the estate, describing it as the single largest asset recovery by the Commission since its inception in 2003. However, the commission did not disclose the owner’s identity, sparking widespread criticism.
According to Sowore, the EFCC’s handling of the case is a clear indication of its bias towards big-time thieves. He noted that the commission would have published the owner’s name and photos if it were a smaller offender.
The forfeiture of the estate is a significant development in the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria.
The commission relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud And Other Fraud Related Offences Act No 14, 2006, and Section 44 (2) B of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to push its case.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ordered the final forfeiture of the estate, ruling that the respondent had not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property.
The estate, measuring 150,500 square meters, rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
The development has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Emefiele’s prosecution and punishment. The case has also raised questions about the EFCC’s handling of high-profile corruption cases and its willingness to hold powerful individuals accountable.
